[SMM Analysis] Rio Tinto Targets 200,000 tpy LCE Production by 2028

Published: Feb 28, 2026 15:49

Save

This month, Rio Tinto stated during its earnings conference call that with all its owned projects progressing as planned, the company's lithium production capacity is expected to reach 200,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually by 2028. The increase will primarily stem from the Fenix project, the expansion of Sal de Vida, and the commissioning of the Rincon and Nemaska projects. By that time, total output will exceed three times the 57,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate production achieved in 2025.

Rio Tinto previously announced its entry into the ranks of major lithium producers upon acquiring Arcadium, with plans to increase capacity to over 200,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually by 2028. The company has now confirmed its focus on achieving this target, positioning lithium as a “significant” component within its business structure.

Expansion Projects:

The mechanical portion of the 10,000-ton-per-year expansion at Fenix, one of the Argentine salt lake projects, has been completed, with commissioning progress reaching 60%. The mechanical vapor recompression unit has been put into operation to support the planned first production run. The first production from the expanded capacity remains on track to commence in the second half of 2026.

At the new Sal de Vida project in Argentina, with an annual capacity of 15,000 metric tons, the mechanical works have been completed and commissioning is 40% complete. Production is expected to commence in the second half of 2026, projected to increase Rio Tinto's lithium output to 61,000–64,000 metric tons LCE in 2026.

Regarding future projects:

The Rincon project in Argentina, with an annual capacity of 60,000 metric tons, is progressing smoothly with its initial 3,000-metric-ton-per-year plant. It is expected to reach full capacity by year-end. The 57,000-metric-ton expansion plant has completed commissioning and is currently being started up, with first production planned for 2028. It will reach full production after a three-year ramp-up period. The mine has an estimated 40-year lifespan, with operating costs positioned in the top quartile of the industry cost curve.

The Nemaska project in Canada features an integrated lithium hydroxide production line with a designed capacity of 28,000 metric tons per year. The mine's engineering design is complete, with construction progress at 60%. The lithium hydroxide refinery is scheduled to commence commissioning in 2026 and achieve first production in 2028. For the Whabouchi and Galaxy mines, strategic business and capital discipline reviews are underway with Canadian partners to determine the development of one of these mines. A decision is expected in the first half of 2026 to secure an integrated spodumene supply solution for the lithium hydroxide plant by 2028.

In Chile, Rio Tinto anticipates closing agreements signed with state-owned mining companies Codelco and Enami in the first half of 2026. Rio Tinto has been selected as the private partner to develop Chile's two largest undeveloped lithium resources, with projects advancing upon agreement completion.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

1 min ago

NPC Deputy Proposes Accelerating R&D And Commercialization Of Aircraft Power Batteries

Recently, Li Liangbin, a National People's Congress deputy and Chairman of Ganfeng Lithium Group, focused on the low-altitude economy sector and put forward relevant suggestions regarding accelerating the research, development, and commercialization of aircraft power batteries. He suggested clarifying the battery technology development roadmap, industrial incubation targets, and commercialization application roadmap, promoting close alignment with national and local low-altitude economic development plans, and introducing pilot scenarios to delineate a clear direction for industrial development. He proposed establishing a national major science and technology project to strengthen industry-university-research cooperation and concentrate efforts on overcoming core technical challenges.

1 min ago

1 hour ago

Zhidongli Crosses Into Solid-State Battery Core Raw Material Project Lands In Sichuan

On March 6, Shenzhen Zhidongli Precision Technology Co., Ltd. signed a project cooperation agreement with the People's Government of Daying County, Sichuan Province, for the Lithium Sulfide Production Base (Phase I) project. The project plans to construct a 5,000-ton-per-year high-purity lithium sulfide production line and supporting facilities, covering approximately 60 mu of land. Once completed and put into operation, the expected annual output value could reach 1 billion yuan. Following implementation, the project is scheduled to commence trial production between June and August 2026, initiating a hundred-ton-scale demonstration line for mass production. It aims to achieve a production capacity of 5,000 tons by 2028 and expand to over 10,000 tons per year by 2030.

1 hour ago

5 hours ago

Sudden Turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz Is Reshaping the Global Phosphorus Chemical Landscap

Geopolitical conflict in the Middle East led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off the global sulphur supply chain (China’s import dependence exceeds 50%, with the Middle East accounting for 56%). Sulphur prices surged to 4,395 yuan/mt, directly pushing up phosphate fertiliser costs. Rigid demand from spring ploughing provided support, but China’s policies to ensure supply and stabilise prices curbed phosphate fertiliser gains。

5 hours ago