馃嚘馃嚪 The Rinc贸n Lithium Project in Salta, Argentina, developed by Rio Tinto through its subsidiary Rinc贸n Mining Pty Limited, has received comprehensive environmental approval, allowing the project to proceed to full production. This approval, granted by Salta鈥檚 Secretariat of Mining and Energy, follows a thorough multidisciplinary review involving environmental, technical, social, indigenous, and water resource authorities. Notably, Rinc贸n is the first mining project approved under Argentina鈥檚 newly established Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), designed to attract large-scale, long-term investments in strategic sectors including lithium.
Located in the Lithium Triangle, the Rinc贸n Salar in Salta Province is a globally significant lithium-producing region. Rio Tinto plans to invest approximately USD 2.7 billion by 2029, with staged investments of USD 1.653 billion between 2024 and 2027 and USD 646 million from 2026 to 2029. The project is authorized to produce up to 50,000 tons annually of battery-grade lithium carbonate initially, with potential expansion to 60,000 tons per year.
The environmental and social impact assessment included hydrological studies, biodiversity assessments, air quality modeling, and waste management plans that adhere to high environmental standards. Water management is a critical focus due to the arid Puna region; the project employs Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which offers improved water conservation and reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional solar evaporation. A free, prior, and informed consultation process was conducted with local and indigenous communities, including a public hearing in July 2025 in Olacapato, ensuring community concerns were integrated into project planning.
The RIGI program provides significant legal and fiscal incentives, including tax and customs benefits and access to international arbitration mechanisms, creating a favorable environment for stable, long-term investment. The approval process for Rinc贸n was notably efficient, signaling strong institutional support amid Argentina鈥檚 efforts to promote mining as a key driver for foreign investment and economic stability.
Salta now hosts four of Argentina鈥檚 seven lithium projects approved for production, reinforcing its strategic role in the Lithium Triangle and the global green economy transition. Argentina ranks as the fourth-largest global lithium supplier, and the Rinc贸n project significantly enhances the country鈥檚 capacity to supply lithium critical for electric vehicles and energy storage technologies.
This milestone for Rio Tinto鈥檚 Rinc贸n Lithium Project highlights substantial business implications, including opportunities for investment in a legally secure and strategically important mining sector. The project鈥檚 advanced technology and community engagement set a benchmark for sustainable lithium extraction. As global demand for lithium continues to grow, Rinc贸n鈥檚 development is poised to contribute meaningfully to the mining sector鈥檚 evolution and Argentina鈥檚 position in the global energy transition.
Source(s): https://www.panorama-minero.com/en/news/salta-moves-forward-with-rio-tinto-environmental-approval-granted-for-rincon-lithium-project, https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/rincon-lithium-project-argentina-2025/, https://www.mining-technology.com/news/rio-tinto-rincon-lithium-rigi/
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