Río Tinto boosts the lithium industry in Catamarca with a historic investment

In an operation that marks a turning point in lithium mining from Catamarca,  Rio Tinto, one of the leading mining companies worldwide, confirmed the acquisition of Arcadium Lithium.

This historic investment adds to the expectations of  expansion, development, and production in the Puna region.

Expansion and Development in the Puna

During a recent day of interviews, Raúl Jalil had the opportunity to welcome Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto, and Paul Graves, CEO of Rio Tinto Lithium. The executives highlighted the ambitious expansion plan that includes the development of new projects in the Puna, a strategic region for lithium extraction in Argentina.

According to them, Rio Tinto's arrival in Catamarca not only strengthens the country's position in the global lithium market but also generates expectations of more investments, employment, and technological development in the province.

Catamarca: A Fertile Ground for Lithium

Catamarca positions itself as one of the attraction hubs for mining investments in Argentina, thanks to the high quality of its lithium deposits and its strategic location in the Puna.

This province, historically linked to mining,  is experiencing a transformation driven by large-scale projects that aim to integrate the region into the global lithium value chain. The consolidation of Catamarca as the epicenter of Catamarca's lithium promises to boost the local and regional economy.

The Role of RIGI and Other Incentives

One of the factors that has facilitated this investment is the favorable regulatory framework offered by the country,  particularly through RIGI.

This instrument, along with other fiscal and administrative incentives, has caused confidence among international investors,  allowing companies like Rio Tinto to bet on Argentina's mining potential. RIGI and the support policies implemented by provincial and national authorities have been key to creating a competitive and attractive environment for the development of strategic mining projects, such as lithium.

Future Prospects and Benefits for the Province

Rio Tinto's investment in Arcadium Lithium not only reinforces the company's technological and production leadership but also opens the door to a series of opportunities for Catamarca. The expansion of mining operations is expected to bring:

• More investments and  capitalization of the sector.
• Generation of direct and indirect employment in the region.
• Technology transfer and development of local technical capacities.
• Boost to the regional economy and to the  international positioning of Argentine lithium.

This operation occurs in a global context where the demand for lithium continues to increase, driven by the transition to renewable energies and the expansion of the electric vehicle market.