Innovation Saskatchewan is responsible for implementing the province’s innovation priorities and helping grow Saskatchewan’s tech sector. Effective April 2022, this includes operation of the Innovation Place technology parks in Saskatoon and Regina.
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), a tenant at Innovation Place in Saskatoon, announced the development of a first-of-its-kind Rare Earth Processing Facility in Canada. The proposed facility will be owned and operated by SRC and will lay the foundation for a Rare Earth Element (REE) supply chain in Saskatchewan and future commercial REE resource expansion.
REE metals are naturally occurring minerals that are commonly used in products like electric vehicles, renewable power generation and electronic technologies. They are essential to modern global economic development and the economic recovery and growth of Saskatchewan, according to the province.
REE processing occurs in two main stages, both of which will be addressed by the facility. The facility will also be able to process both main hard rock ores, like Bastnaesite and Monazite, and Uranium Raffinate concentrate, according to SRC.
The Government of Saskatchewan will invest $31 million into the facility and it is expected to be fully operational in late 2022.
For more information on the announcement and the proposed facility, please read the press release.
SRC is a leading provider of applied research, development and demonstration, and technology commercialization. Their four business divisions in the areas of agriculture / biotechnology, energy, environment and mining / minerals serve clients across Saskatchewan and around the world. Learn more about SRC's REE services.
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