What could the expansion of DLE capacity in the Lithium Triangle mean for lithium?
Global lithium supply may increase due to new DLE capacity in the Lithium Triangle. The utilization of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology by companies like Eramet and Rio Tinto in Argentina is driving significant new production capacity within the Lithium Triangle. Rio Tinto's new plants in Catamarca province, for instance, will add 25,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent annually, while its Rincon project is expected to produce 60,000 metric tonnes per year. These developments, coupled with Argentina's goal to reach 573,000 metric tonnes of LCE by 2035, suggest a substantial increase in the global supply of this key battery-making ingredient, provided the projects meet their production targets.
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How it reaches lithium
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Eramet has utilized direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology in Argentina since late 2024 at its Centenario Ratones project in Salta. Separately, Rio Tinto inaugurated two new lithium plants in Catamarca province, Argentina, with a $US1.4 billion price tag. These facilities, Sal de Vida and Fenix 1B, will add 25,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent annually.
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The new capacity, which includes Rio Tinto's goal of reaching 200,000 metric tons annually by 2028 and Argentina's projection of 573,000 metric tonnes of LCE by 2035, contributes to the overall global supply of lithium. The Lithium Triangle, which includes Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, holds 60 per cent of the world's reserves of the metal.
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chemical element with symbol Li and atomic number 3
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Rio Tinto's new plants in Argentina will add 25,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent annually.bordermail.com.au
- Rio Tinto's Rincon project is expected to produce 60,000 metric tonnes per year of LCE.bordermail.com.au
- Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile hold 60 per cent of the world's reserves of the metal.bordermail.com.au
- Argentina projects it could reach production of 573,000 metric tonnes of LCE by 2035.bordermail.com.au
Why it matters
Lithium is a critical commodity, serving as the key battery-making ingredient for electric vehicles and other modern technologies. The ability of the Lithium Triangle to rapidly scale up production, especially using DLE technology which is touted as more sustainable than traditional methods, positions the region as a major future supplier.
This push is supported by Argentina's market-friendly reforms, which offer tax, legal, and foreign-exchange benefits for 30 years to projects worth more than $US200 million. This governmental support aims to position Argentina as a leading investment destination, competing regionally with Chile, the second-largest global producer.
What we don't know yet
- Will the DLE technology prove scalable and cost-effective at the projected volumes?
- How will the increased supply from the Lithium Triangle affect global lithium prices?
Is this still moving?
- Reports
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- Developments
- 1
- Repetition
- 50%
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Reporting
- bordermail.com.auOct 28
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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.