Rio Tinto officially inaugurated two major lithium projects in Argentina’s Catamarca province following a combined investment of approximately US$1.4 billion. The inauguration marks a significant milestone for the country’s lithium industry, with Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Catamarca Governor Raúl Jalil joining Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott to celebrate the launch of the Fénix 1B expansion and Sal de Vida operation.
Both projects achieved first production in the second quarter, ahead of schedule, and are now progressing towards full production capacity. Once fully operational, they will add 25,000 tonnes of annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity, further strengthening Rio Tinto’s position in the global lithium market and Argentina’s role as a key lithium supplier.
Fénix 1B and Sal de Vida Expand Lithium Production
The inauguration programme included a visit to the Fénix site by President Milei and Governor Jalil, hosted by Simon Trott. The event also brought together national and provincial authorities, employees, suppliers and representatives of local and Indigenous communities to recognise the successful delivery of both projects. President Javier Milei described the Fénix expansion as a historic milestone for Argentina’s mining sector. He highlighted the country’s potential to supply resources essential to the modern economy and emphasised the importance of creating an investment-friendly environment to attract global companies.
Rio Tinto Strengthens Global Lithium Growth Strategy
Simon Trott, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto, said the projects represent an important milestone for both the company and Argentina’s lithium industry. He also highlighted their contribution to Rio Tinto’s global ambition of achieving 200,000 tonnes of annual lithium carbonate equivalent production capacity by 2028. According to Trott, the projects build on nearly three decades of lithium production in Catamarca and reflect the expertise of Rio Tinto’s Argentine workforce. He further acknowledged the contribution of local suppliers, communities and government partners in delivering the developments. Going forward, Rio Tinto will focus on safely increasing production, supplying high-quality lithium to customers and generating long-term value for shareholders and Argentina.
Fénix Expansion Adds 10,000 Tons of Annual Capacity
Fénix commenced operations in 1997 as Argentina’s first commercial lithium production facility. The Fénix 1B expansion adds 10,000 tonnes of annual LCE capacity, taking the operation’s targeted total annual capacity to approximately 40,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, Sal de Vida is a new lithium carbonate production facility located approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Fénix. Once fully ramped up, the facility is expected to deliver 15,000 tonnes of annual LCE capacity. Together, these developments will strengthen Rio Tinto’s lithium production network and support growing demand for lithium across global markets.
Local Suppliers Support Rio Tinto’s Argentina Expansion
The two projects form part of Rio Tinto’s broader lithium growth strategy in Argentina, which includes operations and development projects across Catamarca, Jujuy and Salta, including the Rincon lithium project. As per the company press release, the company’s expansion is creating opportunities for Argentina’s domestic supply chain. Rio Tinto expects local suppliers to receive approximately 70% of the nearly US$4 billion in growth capital planned for investment across its Argentine lithium operations.
Through these investments, Rio Tinto aims to expand its global lithium production capacity while supporting local industries, strengthening supplier partnerships and contributing to Argentina’s growing role in the global battery materials supply chain.
