Rio Tinto obtains environmental statement for its Rincón lithium project in Argentina

Rio Tinto obtains the environmental impact statement for its Rincón project in Salta, Argentina, which will allow the production of lithium carbonate in the Rincón project, according to local media on January 9, 2024. The company proposes a battery-grade lithium carbonate plant with an annual production capacity of 3,000 tons.

Rio Tinto acquired the Rincón project with an investment of US$825 million and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ford for the supply agreement of lithium. Rio Tinto will also carry out initial works to support a large-scale operation, including the power line, substations, construction camp, and a landing strip.

This is not the only progress that Rio Tinto recently has regarding lithium. In Africa, Rio Tinto is exploring for lithium in Rwanda and has partnered with Aterian Plc through a joint venture which provided an update on January 10, saying that field activities are underway, and a maiden drill program is planned for this year.