29 APRIL 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Potential Gallium Production in Quebec Adapted from Information by Rio Tinto Rio Tinto announced plans to assess the potential for extracting and validating gallium, a critical and strategic mineral already present in the bauxite processed in its alumina refinery in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada. When the preliminary phase of technology development is conclusive, the company plans to build a demonstration plant in Saguenay for extraction technology capable of producing up to 3.8 tons of gallium per year. Eventually, the extraction potential of a commercial-scale plant could reach more than 40 tons annually, representing 5-10% of current world gallium production. Gallium is used in key sectors, including the manufacture of integrated circuits, which are of vital importance in many new technologies such as high-performance radar, smartphones, electric cars, and laptops. Jérôme Pécresse, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto Aluminium said, ‘‘This new research and development project is destined to help strengthen the North American supply chain for critical and strategic minerals. 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.’’ Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Quebec’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and Minister responsible for the Bas-SaintLaurent and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions said this project promotes cutting-edge knowledge in the transformation of gallium, a critical and strategic metal in Quebec and around the world. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry said, “When it comes to critical minerals, Canada has all it takes to be the global supplier of choice and that’s why our government is proud to work with key industry actors like Rio Tinto. [This] announcement is a key step in developing a strategic North American supply chain and I am pleased to see all levels of government collaborate with industry to put Canada first. When economic benefits are paired with a commitment to research and development, it's a win for Canadian industry and our workers.” In addition to aluminum, copper, iron ore, and titanium dioxide, Rio Tinto already produces a wide range of critical minerals in its North American facilities, including scandium used in aluminum alloys, tellurium for solar panels, and molybdenum for steel alloys. Other research and development initiatives are ongoing to evaluate the possibility of extracting new materials from the company’s existing operations. The alumina refinery in Saguenay is the only one in Canada. MIN
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