Rincon lithium expansion project, Argentina – update
Name of the Project
Rincon lithium expansion project.
Location
Salta province, Argentina.
Project Owner/s
Global mining company Rio Tinto.
Project Description
The project comprises brine extraction using a production wellfield, processing and waste facilities, as well as associated infrastructure.
The project uses direct lithium extraction technology, a process that supports water conservation, reduces waste and produces lithium carbonate more consistently than other methods. It also entails expanding Rincon’s capacity to 60 000 t/y of battery-grade lithium carbonate, and includes a 3 000 t starter plant and a 57 000 t expansion plant.
Rincon’s mine life is expected to be 40 years.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not disclosed.
Capital Expenditure
$2.5-billion.
Planned Start/End Date
Construction of the plant started in 2025, including camp expansion works and development of site infrastructure. First production is expected in 2028, with a three-year ramp-up to full capacity.
Latest Developments
Rio Tinto has secured a $1.175-billion financing package from four international lenders to support project development.
The package comprises loans from the International Finance Corporation, IDB Invest, Export Finance Australia and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Clean TeQ Water (engineering design, procurement and supply of a lithium concentrate softening plant).
Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto, email mediaenquiries@riotinto.com.
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