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Argentina: Rio Tinto inaugurates lithium plants in Catamarca
President Javier Milei and Catamarca Governor Raúl Jalil inaugurated two lithium carbonate production plants in the Hombre Muerto salt flat. The expansion of the Fénix 1B and Sal de Vida projects, operated by Rio Tinto, represents a combined investment of approximately USD 1.4 billion. Once at full capacity, these facilities are expected to add 25,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) to annual production.
The event highlighted the impact of the Regime of Incentives for Large Investments (RIGI), which Milei credited for fostering stability and attracting major mining projects. The President noted that the RIGI has already seen more than 29 approved projects, including 13 in the mining sector. During the visit, Milei also criticized La Rioja Governor Ricardo Quintela for his opposition to the regime and his administration's use of local currency, Chachos, to pay state employees.
During the official tour, Economy Minister Luis Caputo experienced a mild case of altitude sickness at the facility, located at approximately 4,000 meters above sea level. He received medical assistance and hydration but was able to resume his activities shortly after.
In a separate political development, the Argentine Senate granted semi-sanction to a new incentive regime (RIIR) for investments starting at USD 12 million, which now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for approval.
Entities
Catamarca · Javier Milei · La Libertad Avanza · Luis Caputo · Raúl Jalil · Ricardo Quintela · Rio Tinto · Salta
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The President did not make public statements to the press following his arrival in Catamarca. www.losprimeros.tv · www.radiobicentenario.com.ar · catamarcaprovincia.com.ar
- [● 20 SOURCES] Javier Milei inaugurated Rio Tinto lithium production plants in Catamarca. catamarcaprovincia.com.ar · www.losprimeros.tv · 0291.com.ar · eldigitalneuquen.com.ar · diariofirmat.com.ar · +10 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The Rio Tinto projects represent an investment of nearly USD 1.4 billion. datamarca.com · www.periodismo365.com · sanfernandodigital.com.ar
- [● 6 SOURCES] The new plants will add 25,000 tons of lithium carbonate production annually. datamarca.com · sanfernandodigital.com.ar
- [● 7 SOURCES] The RIGI regime has seen more than 29 approved projects, including 13 in mining. eldigitalneuquen.com.ar · lapioneradeclorinda.com · frenteacano.com.ar
- [● 4 SOURCES] Deputy Adrián Brizuela claimed Milei was struck in the neck during his arrival at a hotel. www.radiobicentenario.com.ar · totalnewsagency.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Argentine government did not officially congratulate Lula da Silva on his election victory. 0291.com.ar
- [● 3 SOURCES] La Libertad Avanza issued a statement denying that the President was hit or that security failed. totalnewsagency.com · www.radiobicentenario.com.ar
- [● 6 SOURCES] Economy Minister Luis Caputo suffered from altitude sickness during the visit to the lithium mine. diariofirmat.com.ar · diariopampero.com · frenteacano.com.ar · labandadiario.com · www.periodismo365.com · +1 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] President Milei criticized La Rioja Governor Ricardo Quintela for using 'Chachos' to pay state employees. frenteacano.com.ar · labandadiario.com · londreshoy.com.ar
- [● 6 SOURCES] Economy Minister Luis Caputo suffered from mild altitude sickness in Catamarca. diariofirmat.com.ar · diariopampero.com · frenteacano.com.ar · labandadiario.com · www.periodismo365.com · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] President Milei did not make public statements to the press following his arrival in Catamarca. catamarcaprovincia.com.ar · www.losprimeros.tv