Rio Tinto Lithium

The Sal de Vida deposit is located near Fénix, another lithium operation in Catamarca’s high-altitude Puna region, also operated by Rio Tinto.

Technological leap

Rio Tinto advances Direct Lithium Extraction at Sal de Vida: why ILiAD’s technology is considered revolutionary

The company brought in U.S.-based ILiAD Technologies to deploy its advanced Direct Lithium Extraction pilot unit at the Sal de Vida deposit in Catamarca province. ILiAD’s technology uses a selective adsorption platform that captures lithium ions from brine almost instantaneously, while responsibly returning the remaining components to the aquifer.

Copper, key to a potential Glencore–Rio Tinto merger.

World’s largest mining company

Copper: Glencore and Rio Tinto resume talks on a merger that could reshape global mining

It could lead to the creation of the world’s largest mining company, with a combined market value exceeding $200 billion, surpassing even BHP. The merged group would be a world-class player in copper.

Projects under RIGI: Investment commitments already exceed $24.8 billion in strategic projects, particularly in energy and mining.

Energy and mining investments

RIGI map: Approved projects and those still pending for 2026

With a portfolio that already exceeds 27 submitted projects and investment commitments topping $33 billion, extending the deadline to 2027 could unlock additional investment and new projects, further expanding the country’s energy and mining frontier.

#Rio Tinto Lithium

Rio Tinto advances Direct Lithium Extraction at Sal de Vida: why ILiAD’s technology is considered revolutionary

Copper: Glencore and Rio Tinto resume talks on a merger that could reshape global mining

RIGI map: Approved projects and those still pending for 2026