The RTFT metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. Credit: Copyright © 2019 Rio Tinto.

Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) has announced the start of production of high-purity scandium oxide at its demonstration plant in Quebec, Canada.

This commercial-scale plant is located at RTFT metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy.

Scandium oxide is a critical mineral that is particularly used in solid oxide fuel cells and aluminium alloys.

This makes the miner the first producer of this critical mineral in North America.

The mining firm is now moving ahead to boost production at the demonstration plant, which is designed to have three tonnes of scandium oxide per year of production capacity.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData

Tick here to opt out of curated industry news, reports, and event updates from Mining Technology.

Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Featuring an innovative process developed by RTFT, the facility is capable of extracting high-purity scandium oxide from the waste streams of titanium dioxide production. This eliminates the need for additional mining.

The company is also considering near-term expansion options to boost the facility’s production capacity to meet the market demand.

Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium managing director Stéphane Leblanc said: “We are very proud of this first production of scandium oxide. This is a key milestone in the development of a secure supply of scandium, demonstrating our ability to de-risk the global supply chain for this critical mineral.

“With this breakthrough process creating value from waste, Rio Tinto Fer et Titane’s ambition is to become a key supplier in the global scandium market.”

Recently, copper producer Arizona Sonoran Copper (ASCU) announced that Rio Tinto will invest in the firm as part of ASCU’s $23.7m (C$30.5m) non-brokered private placement.