Fénix — Phase 1B Expansion: lithium carbonate (Minera del Altiplano / Rio Tinto)
Expansion (Phase 1B) of the historic Fénix lithium-carbonate project in the Salar del Hombre Muerto, operated by Rio Tinto via Minera del Altiplano. It adds 9,500 t/year of capacity (to 38,000 t/year). Phase 1B already reached first production in Q2 2026, ahead of plan, and is still commissioning; the resolution sets that 60% of the amount earmarked for paying suppliers, goods and works goes to local suppliers (the act says exactly 60%, not «more than 60%»). The schedule the company announced —start toward Jul-2026 and works through Nov-2026— was overtaken by that early start.
The projectwhat it is, the route, the owners, the works and the contractors
Who owns it
Minera del Altiplano S.A. Dedicated Branch (MDASD, CUIT 30-71906845-2); operated by Rio Tinto (formerly Arcadium/Livent) verif · Apr 6, 2026 ↗
- The works, milestone by milestone — We have not built this project’s timeline. Dated milestones with their source close it.
- Who already has a contract — We have not surveyed this project’s awards. A published contract with its source closes them.
How to supply itwhere to register, what they ask for and what they will buy
What it will need and has no supplier for yet
Civil works, carbonate plant assembly and pipeline/compressor station (Hombre Muerto / Olacapato)
highPhase 1B adds processing capacity and a compressor station in Olacapato (Salta): demand for electromechanical assembly and high-altitude works on an already existing operation.
Input logistics (lime, soda ash) and carbonate transport from Hombre Muerto to ports
mediumAdding 9,500 t/year increases the inbound flow of reagents and the outbound flow of product along the NOA corridor.
- How to become a supplier — We have not built this project’s entry map. It is our gap, not a prohibition: it closes by opening the provincial register and the operator’s single window.
- What it will buy, and when — We have not built this project’s phase → demand chain: its schedule still has to be crossed with the province’s catalogue of markets and trades.
Get on board the takeoff
This week’s updates: proyectos RIGI, proveedores y datos verificados de Catamarca and new provinces as they launch. Free.
What it leaves in Catamarcajobs, works, taxes, promises and the outlook
- The works that stay behind — We have not surveyed this project’s permanent works. A published size with its source closes them.
- What it already pays in taxes and royalties — We have not broken down this project’s local fiscal contribution: the primary source that sets each item still has to be opened, and an act of the State is not published on press backing.
- Who promised what — We have not surveyed the public promises about this project. A dated, verifiable commitment with its source closes them.
What could stall itrisks and how to track them
- What could stall it — We have not documented this project’s risks. An identifiable vector with its source closes them.
- How to tell whether it is advancing — We have not defined this project’s indicators: what observable fact marks its progress still has to be identified.
How we verified thisthe act, the gaps and the sources
The RIGI act, in detail
Mar 25, 2026 verif · Apr 6, 2026 ↗
The act’s articles, in detail
4 facts on the commitment
60 % of the amount earmarked for suppliers that goes to LOCAL suppliers verif · Apr 6, 2026 ↗
The entire investment amount earmarked for paying suppliers, goods and infrastructure works, during the project's construction and operation stages verif · Apr 6, 2026 ↗
1 December 2026 to complete the minimum investment amount. verif · Dec 1, 2026 ↗
Minera del Altiplano S.A. Sucursal Dedicada (MDASD), tax ID 30-71906845-2, registered at Intendente Lascano 2100, San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca. verif · Apr 6, 2026 ↗
