In a stellar achievement that has inevitably propelled Saskatchewan to the global forefront of rare earth elements (REEs) production, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) has successfully commenced commercial production at its first-of-its-kind rare earths processing facility. This remarkable accomplishment holds immense significance not only for Saskatchewan but also for the broader Canadian mining industry, and indeed the entire global market for rare earth elements.
Rare earth elements, known as REEs, comprise a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table. Notably, they include fifteen lanthanides, along with scandium and yttrium. These elements are classified as rare not due to their scarcity in the earth’s crust but rather due to the difficulty of extracting and processing them. Rare earth elements, with their remarkable magnetism, luminescence, and electrical and heat resistance, underpin the manufacturing of a broad range of high-technology applications, including electronic devices, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and defence equipment. Therefore, the success of SRC in achieving commercial production can indeed have crucial implications globally.
The SRC’s rare earths facility is the first of its kind in Canada and amongst the few in the world. This breakthrough initiative arose from the need to break away from the apparent monopoly of China in the global REE supply chain. The Asian giant currently controls approximately 80-90% of the world’s REE processing capacity. Saskatchewan’s rare earth processing facility aims to de-centralise this global dependency on one region.
This facility, fully owned and operated by the SRC, adopts the most advanced and sustainable methods of processing to extract and separate the different rare earth elements. This process is far superior to more traditional methods that lean heavily on the use of harmful chemicals causing environmental degradation. These harmful by-products not only pose a severe threat to the local environment and bio-diversity, but they have also become a source of significant concern globally.
By utilising a more sustainable approach, the work at SRC’s Rare Earth Processing Facility is aligned with Canada’s wider climate goals outlined in the country’s Clean Growth Program. The facility strikes a balance between meeting the growing demand for these valuable elements and upholding a commitment towards sustainable, environmentally conscious operations. It is this ethos of sustainability and innovation that the SRC brings to the table, enabling Saskatchewan to emerge as a reliable and progressive leader in the REE market.
Saskatchewan’s entry into the REE market, coupled with its commitment to sustainability, should help to transform the global supply chain of these critical elements. The industry can now look forward to a more dynamic, integrated, and above all, sustainable global REE market, which can re-distribute power away from current monopolies while also maintaining a focus on environmental preservation.
Beyond the direct environmental benefits, the facility’s operation is showing positive economic results to the Canadian province. This opportunity to tap into a lucrative global market is expected to drive significant growth and job creation for Saskatchewan and Canada more broadly. In a world increasingly driven by sustainable tech innovations, the growth potential of the rare earth industry cannot be overstated.
In summary, the commencement of commercial production at Saskatchewan Research Council’s rare earths facility is a significant milestone in REE production. Its commitment to sustainable practices, coupled with the potential economic benefits for Saskatchewan and Canada, positions the facility as a trailblazer for a more distributed and environmentally conscious REE industry. This crowning achievement of the SRC is not just a testament to Saskatchewan’s capabilities but also a model of inspiration for a greener, more sustainable future.