Rio Tinto said today that its Rincon lithium project in Argentina is advancing.
The number-two diversfied miner by market capitalization announced its third quarter production results today.
The company's Pilbara operations produced 84.3 million tonnes (100% basis) in the third quarter, 1% higher than the third quarter of 2021, and 7% higher than the prior quarter. Full year shipments are expected to be at the low end of the original 320 to 335 million tonne range.
Rio Tinto noted progress at its lithium operations in South America.
"At the Rincon lithium project in Argentina, we are progressing early works including construction of a camp and airstrip. We are also developing a three thousand tonne per annum lithium carbonate starter plant to accelerate market entry by the first half of 2024, and de-risk the planned full-scale operation," wrote the miner in a news release.
In regards to its derailed Jadar lithium-borate project in Serbia the company said it is "...continuing to explore all options" and the company acknowledges "...concerns from local communities and are engaging meaningfully to explore ways to address them."
Early this year Serbia revoked Rio Tinto's lithium exploration licences, bowing to protesters who opposed the development of the project on environmental grounds.
