Rio Tinto has inaugurated two lithium projects in Catamarca province, Argentina: the Sal de Vida plant and the Fenix 1B expansion. Together, the projects represent a $1.4 billion investment.
The facilities will add 25,000 metric tons of annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity once fully operational. Both achieved first production ahead of schedule.
The projects use direct lithium extraction (DLE), a technology considered more sustainable than traditional evaporation ponds. Argentine President Javier Milei attended the opening ceremony, signaling government support for mining investment.