Canada’s SRC to Process Heavy Rare Earths from Arafura

Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC)

Advancing Canadian Rare Earths Processing Capabilities

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) and Arafura Rare Earths of Perth have reached an agreement to develop a toll processing framework for heavy rare earths (SEG/HRE) from Arafura's Nolans project. SRC’s planned facility in Saskatchewan, soon to be Canada’s first rare earths processing plant, will handle the separation of dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) oxides from the SEG/HRE product.

The Nolans project will produce 573 tons per year of SEG/HRE oxide, including approximately 25 tons of Dy and 8 tons of Tb. The agreement also aims to establish a long-term deal for the sale of Arafura’s neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide for SRC’s smelting operations.

Building a Canadian Rare Earths Processing Hub

The SRC’s facility, anticipated to be built in two phases, represents a significant advancement in Canada’s rare earths supply chain. Despite previous delays, it will serve as a model for future resource expansion. Recent funding from the Canadian government, amounting to over $16 million, will support the purchase of bastnaesite ore and development of domestic processing capabilities.

Additionally, SRC is establishing supply channels with Vietnam, securing an agreement with Hung Thinh Group to provide up to 3,000 tons per year of rare earth carbonate starting in June 2025. This will enable SRC to process around 400 tons of rare earth metals annually at the new facility.