The facility is equipped to produce rare earth metals at commercial scale. Credit: CNW Group/Saskatchewan Research Council.

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) has commenced the production of rare earth metals at its facility in Saskatoon, Canada, marking North America’s entry into the production of these critical elements.

The SRC Rare Earth Processing Facility has successfully produced rare earth metals at a commercial scale ahead of schedule using automated technology in metal smelting.

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SRC’s automated technology has enabled the production of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) metals with purities exceeding 99.5% and conversion rates surpassing 98%.

Starting with a monthly output of 10t, the facility is set to increase production to 40t per month by the end of December 2024.

In July 2024, SRC secured tolling agreements with international clients to process rare earth oxides into metals.

These agreements allow SRC to commercialise its metal smelting technology with minimal initial investment.

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When fully operational in early 2025, the facility is expected to produce around 400t of NdPr metals annually, sufficient to power half a million electric vehicles.

Since 2020, the SRC facility has received substantial funding from the Saskatchewan and Canadian governments, totalling $101m (C$136.86m).

SRC president and CEO Mike Crabtree said: “Since 2020, SRC has aimed to become a global leader in rare earth processing technology and today we have proven out an industry model for future rare earth initiatives and supply chain development.

“This achievement is the result of more than 15 years of research and development and now commercialisation in rare earths led by world-class experts in rare earth extraction and processing technology.”