The plant uses an innovative process developed by RTFT to extract high purity scandium oxide from the waste streams of titanium dioxide production, without the need for any additional mining.
The company said it is also considering near-term expansion options to increase production capacity in line with market demand.
“We are very proud of this first production of scandium oxide. This is a key milestone in the development of a secure supply of scandium, demonstrating our ability to de-risk the global supply chain for this critical mineral,” Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium managing director Stéphane Leblanc said in a media statement.
“With this breakthrough process creating value from waste, Rio Tinto Fer et Titane’s ambition is to become a key supplier in the global scandium market,” said Leblanc. “Our employees brought this project from the drawing board to commercial demonstration in less than two…
