Saskatchewan Takes a Bold Step in Rare Earth Metals Production

Saskatchewan Rare Earth Production

Canada’s Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) reached a significant milestone in the summer of 2024 by producing its first rare earth metals on a commercial scale, positioning its facility for full operation by early 2025. The plant is currently set to produce 10 tons per month of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) metal with over 99.5% purity and a conversion rate greater than 98%. This early success was made possible through tolling agreements with international clients, finalized in July 2024, allowing SRC to convert rare earth oxides into metals with minimal upfront investment in raw materials.

SRC aims to increase production to 40 tons per month by the end of 2024 and eventually reach 400 tons per year when the facility is fully operational. The facility has received significant support from both the Saskatchewan and Canadian governments, securing a total of $101 million in funding. The organization is also establishing international partnerships, including deals with Australia’s Arafura Rare Earths and Vietnam’s Hung Thinh Group, which will supply up to 3,000 tons of rare earth carbonate annually, starting in 2025. These efforts are part of SRC’s long-term goal to make Saskatchewan a hub for rare earth metals production, positioning Canada as a key player in the global rare earths market.