News: Suppliers
17 December 2024
Rio Tinto progresses development of gallium extraction process in Quebec
As part of an R&D program, global mining group Rio Tinto is assessing the potential for extracting and valorizing the gallium that is present in bauxite processed in its alumina refinery in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (the only one in Canada).
When the preliminary phase of technology development is conclusive, Rio Tinto plans to build a demonstration plant in Saguenay for extraction technology that can produce up to 3.5 tonnes of gallium per year. The Government of Quebec has committed up to CDN$7m for the demonstration phase. Eventually, the extraction potential of a commercial-scale plant could reach 40 tonnes annually, representing 5-10% of existing gallium production worldwide.
“This new R&D project is destined to help strengthen the North American supply chain for critical and strategic minerals,” says Jérôme Pécresse, chief executive of Rio Tinto Aluminium. “As many important steps are yet to be achieved, Rio Tinto is strongly involved in this important journey and thanks the Government of Quebec for its important contribution,” he adds.
The announcement is “directly in line with our government’s vision of a circular economy, wealth creation in a greener economy, and Quebec's influence as a world leader in critical and strategic minerals,” says Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Quebec’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions.
The announcement is “a key step in developing a strategic North American supply chain,” says The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
American Elements to increase production of gallium and germanium
