Rio Tinto produces first batch of scandium oxide in North America for fuel cells and aluminium alloy

On 6 May, Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) reported that its commercial-scale demonstration plant in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec had produced its first batch of high purity scandium oxide. High purity scandium oxide is being extracted from the production residue of titanium dioxide by a phenomenal process developed by RTFT that requires no mandatory mining. 

After releasing their first batch of scandium oxide, RTFT also became the first producer of this critical mineral in North America. Scandium oxide is used in solid oxide fuel cells and blended to form aluminium alloys. 

The solid oxide fuel cells serve as an energy source for data centres and hospitals. The cells are a catalyst for essential products like lasers and lighting, usually installed in stadiums or studios. Scandium oxide benefits the performance quota of solid oxide fuel cells.

Scandium oxide is also the key to producing high-performance aluminium-scandium alloys for the aviation, defence and additive manufacturing industries.

Along with increasing the strength of the aluminium alloy, scandium oxide also reasserts the flexibility of the material. It also acts as a solid solution hardener so that aluminium-scandium alloys can serve as precipitation hardeners and recrystallization inhibitors.

“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,” said Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium managing director, Stéphane Leblanc.

“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. Our employees brought this project from the drawing board to commercial demonstration in less than two years," concluded Leblanc.

RTFT focuses on steadily increasing production after taking care of all the commissioning requirements. The Company's modus operandi is to achieve a production capacity of three tonnes of scandium oxide per year. By gaining the above, RTFT will corner 20 per cent of the global market. To satisfy the market demand, the enterprise is also considering near–term expansion protocols to elevate production capacity.