Canada attempts to challenge Chinese dominance in critical minerals while updating processing methods to drastically cut emissions
Rio Tinto Group and the federal government are planning to invest a combined $737-million to modernize a large Quebec metals processing plant in a move that could see the Anglo-Australian miner both dramatically cut its emissions and become one of the first North American producers of the critical metal titanium., one of the world’s biggest mining companies, said in a release on Tuesday it will invest up to $515-million in the Sorel-Tracy, Que., facility over the next eight years.
At Sorel-Tracy, Rio is testing a new processing method called “blue smelting,” which could replace coking coal with biochar and hydrogen gas. On paper, this is a far less environmentally damaging process. Rio says the technology has the potential to reduce emissions at Sorel-Tracy by 70 per cent. Still at the testing phase, it is unknown whether the technology will replace conventional blast furnaces.
Ore from the mine may also allow Rio to produce titanium metal. If Rio succeeds in the pilot project, it will be the first large titanium producer in North America. Currently, China dominates the market for the extremely strong but light metal that is used in myriad industrial applications, including as an alloy in the aerospace industry.
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