Rio Tinto is looking to the extraction and valorisation of gallium, a critical mineral present in the bauxite from its alumina refinery in Canada.
The major plans to build a demonstration plant for extraction technology in Saguenay, capable of producing up to 3.5 tonnes of gallium per year, eventually reaching 40 tonnes annually.
The Government of Quebec is already on board with the plan, committing up to $C7 million ($7.7 million) for the demonstration phase.
‘‘This new research and development project is destined to help strengthen the North American supply chain for critical and strategic minerals,” Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Jérôme Pécresse said.
‘‘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.’’
Gallium is used in a number of key sectors, including in the manufacture of integrated circuits, which are important in many new technologies such as high-performance radar, smartphones, electric cars and laptops.
“I’m delighted to support this project, which promotes the acquisition of cutting-edge knowledge in the transformation of gallium, a critical and strategic metal in Quebec and around the world,’’ Quebec Minister of Natural Resources Maïté Blanchette Vézina said.
“Today’s 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. I wish the Rio Tinto team every success in this innovative project for Quebec.”