Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 7, ASX-listed Clean TeQ Water has secured a $12.5 million (A$19.2 million) contract from Rincon Mining, a fully owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto, for the Rincon lithium project in Argentina’s Salta province. The contract, among the largest in Clean TeQ’s history, covers engineering design, procurement, and supply of a lithium concentrate softening plant that will utilize the company’s proprietary CLEAN-IX Moving Bed Ion Exchange (MBIX) technology.

This award marks Clean TeQ’s first major project in South America and strengthens its position as a global provider of lithium refining and direct lithium extraction (DLE) solutions. The project delivery is scheduled over three years, aligning with the timeline for large-scale industrial installation.

Clean TeQ CEO Peter Voigt said: “This contract is one of our largest and is our first in the South American lithium triangle. The award is a strong endorsement of our MBIX technology as a best-in-class solution for, in this case, lithium refining – where it reduces lithium loss and fresh water use. As lithium demand accelerates over the coming decades, we see a significant global opportunity for MBIX as a critical enabler of cost-effective, sustainable lithium production.”

The Rincon lithium project, located in one of the world’s key lithium-producing regions, will benefit from MBIX technology through improved efficiency in lithium recovery and reduced environmental footprint. The plant’s design focuses on minimizing lithium losses and optimizing the use of fresh water, reflecting Clean TeQ’s commitment to sustainable industrial processes.

This contract not only highlights Clean TeQ’s technological capabilities but also positions the company for future opportunities across the South American lithium sector, which is experiencing growing demand due to the global shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Over the next three years, Clean TeQ will work closely with Rincon Mining to execute the project, ensuring that engineering, procurement, and supply milestones are met on schedule. The plant will play a key role in the production of lithium concentrate, supporting Rio Tinto’s broader strategy in the lithium market.

The project is a significant step for Clean TeQ in expanding its international footprint and demonstrates the scalability of MBIX technology for large industrial operations. By improving lithium extraction efficiency and reducing water usage, the plant aligns with global sustainability goals and enhances resource efficiency in the lithium refining process.

Clean TeQ’s entry into the South American lithium triangle also signals potential for additional partnerships and project opportunities across the continent, as demand for lithium grows in line with global energy transition initiatives. The company continues to explore opportunities where MBIX technology can support sustainable, cost-effective lithium production worldwide.