Worley Partners with Rio Tinto to Deliver Argentina’s $2.5B Rincon Lithium Project

Worley, Rio Tinto

Rincon Aims to Produce 60,000t/yr of Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate Using Direct Lithium Extraction Technology

Worley to Support Rio Tinto in Building High-Altitude Lithium Plant in Argentina

Australian engineering firm Worley has been selected to support Rio Tinto in delivering its Rincon Lithium Project in Argentina’s Puna region, where the company plans to produce 60,000 metric tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate. The partnership is part of Rio Tinto’s $2.5 billion investment to scale up its lithium operations using direct lithium extraction (DLE) from brine.

The Rincon site, located in the remote Andes Mountains, poses significant challenges due to high altitude and difficult terrain, which will impact both construction and plant design. Worley’s expertise in complex, high-elevation project delivery will be critical to overcoming these hurdles.

Rio Tinto Targets 2028 Start-Up, Three-Year Ramp to Full Lithium Output

Rio Tinto expects production at Rincon to begin in 2028, with a three-year ramp-up period to reach full operational capacity. The facility will play a key role in meeting global electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage demand by supplying high-purity lithium carbonate, essential for lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

The Rincon Project represents a strategic push by Rio Tinto into the lithium sector, helping to diversify its commodity portfolio and strengthen its position in the global battery materials supply chain.