The Government of Canada and Rio Tinto have entered an eight-year partnership to reduce greenhouse emissions at the Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) operations in Sorel-Tracy, Québec, by up to 70%.
The agreement, which envisages a joint investment of up to C$737 million (US$537 million), includes support for the development of Rio’s BlueSmelting project. This ilmenite smelting technology could generate 95% less greenhouse gas emissions than RTFT’s current reduction process. On its successful implementation, RTFT would produce high-grade titanium dioxide feedstock, steel, and metal powders with a drastically reduced carbon footprint.
Furthermore, to reinforce Rio Tinto’s leadership as a supplier of critical minerals in North America, the tie-up will diversify RTFT’s portfolio by adding titanium metal, a high-performance and critical material used in the medical, aerospace, and automotive industries.
Similarly, the joint investment will enable Rio Tinto to quadruple its production capacity of scandium, a critical mineral in solid oxide fuel cells and aluminum alloys.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, said the announcement delivered on the government’s vision for good jobs, clean air, and made-in-Canada tech. It also positioned Canada as a leader in critical minerals – a crucial part of things like electric vehicles.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: “Rio Tinto is committed to being part of a net-zero future, from decarbonizing our operations to finding new ways to produce the materials needed for the transition.”
Source: Businesswire
Image of the Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) Metallurgical Complex: Rio Tinto