Rio Tinto to become North America’s first producer of scandium oxide with new plant

Rio Tinto has announced the construction of new scandium oxide plant at its Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. The company is set to the first producer of high-quality scandium oxide in North America.

The commercial supply is likely to start in the second quarter of 2021. The plant, which will cost US$6 million for first module, will have an initial capacity to produce three tonnes of scandium oxide per year.

Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium managing director Stéphane Leblanc said: “We are proud to offer North America’s first reliable supply of scandium oxide using an innovative and sustainable process, with the construction of this new plant. Rio Tinto has been engaged in the exploration and production of rare earths and critical minerals globally for a number of years, to meet the demand in new and emerging technologies. With the support of Rio Tinto’s aluminium business, we are uniquely positioned to deliver aluminium-scandium master alloys and develop synergies with North America’s manufacturing supply chain.”

The Government of Quebec is contributing approximately US$650,000 to the project through the Quebec Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals, Rio Tinto said.

Scandium oxide is used to improve the performance of solid oxide fuel cells. It is also used to produce high-performance aluminium-scandium master alloys for the aerospace, defence and 3D printing industries.

Quebec Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonatan Julien said: “RTFT's scandium oxide valorization project is a concrete example of how we can extract value from our mining wastes. It demonstrates our ability to innovate and seize business opportunities in a growing market as we strive to ensure secure supplies of critical minerals. This business has the potential to become a major scandium supplier outside China.”

Quebec Minister of Economy and Innovation Pierre Fitzgibbon said: “The step just taken today by Rio Tinto Fer et Titane has the potential to position Quebec as a world leader in the extraction and commericalisation of scandium. With this project, Quebec will become the largest producer of this rare metal, which will have a major impact on our exports and Quebec’s supply chains, particularly in key sectors such as the electrification of transportation and aerospace. I commend the entire RTFT team for this project, which combines innovation and responsible use of our resources.”