According to IM-Mining, Rio Tinto has announced a significant $1.58 billion investment to expand the Rincon lithium project in Salta Province, Argentina, increasing its capacity to 60,000 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate. This investment underscores Rio Tinto’s strategic focus on direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, designed to enhance lithium recovery efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. In line with this expansion, JordProxa, a global leader in modular processing solutions, has been selected to supply an integrated process plant, marking a key advancement in sustainable lithium refining.
Key Elements of the Collaboration
- Processing Capacity: 60,000 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate
- Scope of Supply:
- Lithium chloride evaporation
- Lithium carbonate crystallization
- Advanced refining processes including impurity removal, bicarbonation, decarbonation, effluent neutralization, and CO₂ recovery
- Focus Areas: Energy efficiency, operational scalability, and sustainable production
Rio Tinto’s Commitment to Lithium Expansion
This investment aligns with Rio Tinto’s broader strategy to support global battery supply chains and accelerate the green energy transition. According to Dr. Glenn Anderson, Project Director at Rio Tinto:
“The Rincon lithium project is a cornerstone of our strategy to supply essential lithium materials for the global energy transition. By partnering with JordProxa, we aim to implement innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency and optimise resources, reflecting our commitment to responsible and sustainable development.”
With DLE technology, Rio Tinto aims to reduce water consumption, increase lithium recovery rates, and significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional lithium extraction methods.
JordProxa’s Role in Modular Lithium Refining
JordProxa brings its expertise in crystallization, evaporation, and modular plant engineering to ensure efficient lithium processing. By employing modular solutions, the company enables:
- Higher lithium recovery efficiency
- Reduced energy and water usage
- Scalable and flexible plant operations
Nipen Shah, Sales Director at JordProxa, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
“This collaboration underscores our capability to deliver innovative, modular solutions for critical mineral projects worldwide. Our advanced engineering and modular approach will help maximise resource efficiency while ensuring high-purity lithium carbonate production.”
The Growing Demand for Lithium in the EV Industry
With global EV sales projected to reach 40 million units by 2030, the demand for high-quality lithium is at an all-time high. This project strengthens Rio Tinto’s position as a key supplier in the lithium battery value chain, ensuring a stable and sustainable lithium supply for EV manufacturers worldwide. As the EV and renewable energy industries continue expanding, investments like Rio Tinto’s Rincon project are critical in shaping the future of sustainable lithium supply chains. The integration of JordProxa’s modular processing solutions ensures a scalable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible approach to lithium production.
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