Tag Archives: refining

Western #Canada holds potential to become a ‘critical minerals processing behemoth,’ expert says

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A group of battery metal exploration companies and startups says it has a plan to turbocharge Canada’s critical minerals sector by building out “midstream” mineral processing facilities in Western Canada.

Two reports published by the Battery Metals Association of Canada, which hired analysts at the Transition Accelerator to consult with their members, identified nine critical minerals — copper, graphite, iron, nickel, lithium, phosphate, rare earths and vanadium — and five regions where they see big opportunities for major projects.

For example, British Columbia has at least four producing copper mines, which all ship their copper concentrate overseas, primarily to China, because there are no smelters in Western Canada. Building a copper smelter could encourage copper production and exploration while also creating higher-value products to sell, the reports said.

“If you wanted to put together a critical minerals processing behemoth anywhere in the world, the assets that we have in Alberta to do that are just phenomenal,” Bentley Allan, a professor of political economy at Johns Hopkins University and a principal at Transition Accelerator, said. “It has the chemical processing expertise, the clean power resources, other kinds of machining and precision instruments, which make Alberta a really incredible place to do this.”

Read more at: https://financialpost.com/commodities/mining/western-canada-critical-minerals-processing-behemoth

#Nigeria to open two #Chinese-backed #Lithium processing plants this year

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Note: Canada is a resource-rich country. Canada does not have to go to another continent for critical mineral. Canada needs investment and technology development (refining and recycling). Bring the investment to Canada.

LAGOS, May 26 (Reuters) – Nigeria is set to commission two major lithium processing plants this year, the country’s mining minister announced on Sunday, marking a shift from raw mineral exports towards adding value domestically.

The facilities, largely funded by Chinese investors, could help transform Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth into jobs, technology, and manufacturing growth within the country. Mining Minister Dele Alake said a $600 million lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border is slated for commissioning this quarter, while a $200 million lithium refinery on the outskirts of Abuja is nearing completion. Two additional processing plants are expected in Nasarawa state, which borders the capital Abuja, before the third quarter of 2025, the minister said. “We are now focused on turning our mineral wealth into domestic economic value – jobs, technology, and manufacturing,” Alake said. Over 80% of the funding for the four facilities has been provided by Chinese firms, including Jiuling Lithium Mining Company and Canmax Technologies, according to separate announcements by governors of the states where the plants are located.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/nigeria-open-two-chinese-backed-lithium-processing-plants-this-year-2025-05-26/

Yes, Canada is considered a resource-rich country. It has abundant natural resources, including:

  1. Energy Resources:
    • Oil and Natural Gas: Canada has some of the largest reserves of oil in the world, particularly in the oil sands of Alberta. It is a major exporter of oil and natural gas, especially to the United States.
    • Hydroelectric Power: Canada is a leader in hydroelectricity production, with large dams and water resources, especially in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia.
  2. Minerals and Metals:
    • Gold, Silver, and Platinum: Canada has significant reserves of precious metals, making it one of the largest producers of gold and other precious metals.
    • Nickel, Copper, and Zinc: The country is a leading producer of these metals, which are essential for various industries, including manufacturing and electronics.
    • Uranium: Canada is one of the world’s top producers of uranium, used in nuclear power generation.
  3. Forests:
    • Canada has vast forest resources, making it one of the largest producers of timber and paper products. The forest industry is especially important in provinces like British Columbia and Quebec.
  4. Agricultural Resources:
    • Canada is a major producer of wheat, canola, and other crops. It also has extensive livestock farming, including cattle and poultry.
  5. Freshwater:
    • Canada holds around 20% of the world’s freshwater supply, making it an important resource for both domestic use and potential global trade.

These resources contribute significantly to Canada’s economy, especially through exports, and help maintain its position as one of the world’s wealthiest nations in terms of natural wealth

#US government backs #Aclara’s separation facility study for #REE

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Canada’s Aclara Resources announced on Wednesday a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration to find the best location for its planned rare earth separation facility.

This partnership, through the SelectUSA program, aims to find a cost-effective site for the plant, and to contribute to a resilient supply chain for critical materials essential in the U.S. high-tech sectors.

The location study will evaluate potential sites for Aclara’s separation facility with a focus on operational efficiency, cost management, and project timelines, the rare earths developer said in a statement.

“Aclara believes that it can contribute towards securing a resilient and independent supply chain for rare earths, which are critical materials for electromobility and other key high-tech sectors of the U.S. economy,” chief financial officer François Motte said.

Aclara aims to produce high-purity mixed rare earth concentrate (MREC) from its Penco module in Chile and the Carina project in Brazil. The company plans to use its patented technology designed to extract heavy rare earths from ionic clays. 

Read more at: https://www.northernminer.com/fast-news/us-government-to-assist-aclara-with-location-study-for-new-facility/1003873185/