Name of the Project
Galium extraction project.

Location
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Canada.

Project Owner/s
Iron-ore major Rio Tinto and its new partner Indium Corporation.

Project Description
Rio Tinto is investigating the potential for extracting and valorising gallium, a critical and strategic mineral already present in the bauxite processed in its alumina refinery in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, the only one in Canada.

When the preliminary phase of technology development is conclusive, Rio Tinto plans to build a demonstration plant in Saguenay for extraction technology that can produce up to 3.5 t/y of gallium. Eventually, the extraction potential of a commercial-scale plant could reach 40 t/y, representing between 5% and 10% of current world gallium production.

Primary 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.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The government of Quebec has committed up to C$7-million for the demonstration phase.

Planned Start/End Date
Not yet determined.

Latest Developments
Rio Tinto and Indium Corporation have successfully extracted the first primary gallium. This preliminary step was done in Indium Corporation’s research and development facility in Rome, New York, Rio Tinto said on May 7.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto, Malika Cherry, tel +1 514 715-2152 or email malika.cherry@riotinto.com.