Rio Tinto Opens $1.4 Billion Lithium Projects in Argentina

04:39 AM EDT, 10/29/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Rio Tinto (RIO) opened two lithium projects in Argentina with a combined investment of $1.4 billion as the miner expands its operations in the region, the company said Wednesday. The operations, located in Catamarca province, are expected to add 25,000 tonnes of annual lithium carbonate equivalent capacity once fully ramped up, bringing total annual capacity to 40,000 tonnes, the company said. Both projects achieved first production in Q2, ahead of schedule, and are now ramping up production, it added.