Rio Tinto contracts JordProxa for process plant at Rincon lithium project

Rio Tinto (ASX, LON: RIO) has contracted JordProxa to supply an integrated process plant for its Rincon lithium project in Salta province, Argentina. Based in Australia, JordProxa is a global leader in the design of custom-engineered solutions and modular processing plants to produce battery chemicals.The contract involves modular design for key processing technologies, including lithium chloride (LiCl) evaporation, lithium carbonate crystallization, and refining steps such as impurity removal, sodium carbonate dissolution, bi-carbonation, de-carbonation, effluent neutralization and CO₂ recovery.These technologies, according to JordProxa, are integral to producing high-purity, battery-grade lithium carbonate, meeting the stringent quality requirements of the growing electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors.JordProxa will leverage its global expertise in crystallization and evaporation technologies, modular plant solutions, and sustainable engineering practices. The design will prioritize operability, scalability and energy efficiency, aligning with Rio Tinto’s commitment to sustainable operations at Rincon, it said.“This collaboration underscores our capability to deliver innovative, modular solutions for critical mineral projects worldwide. Our advanced engineering and modular approach will help maximize resource efficiency while ensuring high-purity lithium carbonate production,” said Nipen Shah, sales director at JordProxa.“We are excited to contribute to a project that will significantly impact the global lithium supply chain, supporting the energy transition and a sustainable future,” added Paul Browne, managing director of JordProxa.Targeting production in 2028, Rincon is expected to be Rio Tinto’s first commercial-scale lithium operation. The project will apply direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, which is designed to minimize the environmental footprint while increasing lithium recovery efficiency. At full capacity, it is able to produce approximately 60,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate per year over.“The Rincon lithium project is a cornerstone of our strategy to supply essential lithium materials for the global energy transition,” said Glenn Anderson, project director at Rio Tinto. “By partnering with JordProxa, we aim to implement innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency and optimize resources, reflecting our commitment to responsible and sustainable development.”Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Mining.com Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Mining.com