Rio Tinto commissions new scandium plant in Canada

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Image credit: Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto has commenced production of high-quality scandium oxide at a new commercial scale demonstration plant in Canada.

Located at its Fer et Titane (RTFT) metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, the $6 million plant uses an innovative process developed by RTFT to extract high purity scandium oxide from the waste streams of titanium dioxide production, without the need for any additional mining.

Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium managing director Stéphane Leblanc said the project is part of a series of innovations supported by the company’s Critical Minerals and Technology Centre in the field of critical minerals and materials, including the recent launch of a water atomized steel powder for 3-D printing applications.

He said RTFT is considering the potential for further investments to add additional modules in line with market demand.

Adertisement

“For the first time, customers will benefit from a North American supply of scandium oxide for applications in solid oxide fuel cells, lasers, lighting products or as an additive to produce high-performance alloys,” Mr Leblanc continued.

“In less than two years, we have gone from testing a process to extract this critical material in a lab to being able to supply approximately 20% of the global market.

“This is a testament to our team’s capacity to think outside the box and deliver on our commitments.”

Image credit: www.riotinto.com