PURE PERFORMANCE

Canadian-born, Canadian-based and undeniably Canadian in its approach, Element North 21 is the first and only scandium producer in North America.

WE HAVE CRACKED THE SCANDIUM CODE

At Rio Tinto, we have mastered the art of extracting and producing this rare and extremely beneficial element (the 21st in the periodic table). This process elevates scandium oxide and aluminum alloys to a whole new level of performance, resistance, lightness, strength and purity. We have created the perfect formula here in Quebec, Canada, using highly sophisticated technology to deliver an environmentally friendly, high performance and highly coveted product. We are the scandium specialists.

PRODUCT LINES:

SCANDEE™

Scandium oxide of purity above 99.9%

X-AL™ (MA-Sc)

Aluminium Scandium Master Alloy

X-AL™ (Aero) and X-AL™ (3D Printing)

Billet / Rod / Slab / Foundry – Specialty Aluminium Scandium Alloys

RIO TINTO HAS SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOPED A WAY TO EXTRACT HIGH PURITY SCANDIUM
AS PART OF ITS EXISTING PROCESSING OF TiO2 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE)

THE HUGE
POSSIBILITIES
OF SCANDIUM

Scandium is a silvery-white rare earth metallic element, and a critical mineral. Scandium oxide is used in the fabrication of solid oxide fuel cells, which are used as a power source for buildings as well as in niche products such as lasers and lighting for stadiums or studios. Scandium is also used to produce high-performance aluminum alloys to substantially increase strength, heat and corrosion resistance, as well as welding properties.

SCANDIUM IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE KNOWN MICROALLOYING ELEMENT STRENGTHENER IN ALUMINUM

Since the 1980s, scandium-aluminum alloys have been used to improve the weight, maneuverability and range of military aircraft, and scandium is now widely used in the high-tech, aerospace and scientific industries. Numerous applications have been developed in other industries, such as sports equipment with baseball bats, lacrosse sticks and bicycle frames - bicycle manufacturers estimate that scandium enables them to reduce the weight of their aluminum frames by 10-to-15%. Scandium is also found in electronic ceramics, glass compositions, 3D printing materials, and many more products.

SCANDIUM-ALUMINUM ALLOY BENEFITS INCLUDE:
  • Higher strength
  • Lower density
  • Improved thermal properties (high resistance to heat)
  • Lighter, more resistant products
  • Greater flexibility
  • Resistance to thermal shock
  • Can be used for 3D printing
  • Anti recrystallization effect
  • Corrosion performance improvement
  • Resistance to hot tearing

A MAJOR SHIFT
IN THE SCANDIUM
MARKET

Rio Tinto researchers have developed a new process to extract high purity scandium oxide from the ilmenite ore at our metallurgical installation in Quebec, Canada, and we are now producing high quality scandium oxide that meets all market specifications.

We have the expertise, the technology and the capacity to produce pure, highly reliable scandium through sustainable methods that have a minimum impact on the environment.

This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the scandium oxide market by delivering a secure supply source from this established operation, creating value from what was previously waste.

OUR ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS:

FLEXIBILITY, STABILITY,
RELIABILITY

Element North 21’s value proposition is based on our ability to consistently meet demand by providing a constant and stable supply of scandium, in a way that maximizes efficiency and adaptability to our clients’ specific requirements. We are a new, innovative, reliable and accessible alternative to existing, limited sources of scandium on the market. Our geographically advantageous location in northern Quebec, Canada is ideal to efficiently supply the North American market.

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION
  • Innovative product, innovative company, innovative approach
  • Proven, eco-friendly technology and methods
  • Quick ramp-up and scalable output
  • Independent, lean and flexible company
  • Accessible — close, solid relationship with its clients
  • Reputable and reliable

OUR ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS:

FLEXIBILITY, STABILITY,
RELIABILITY

Element North 21’s value proposition is based on our ability to consistently meet demand by providing a constant and stable supply of scandium, in a way that maximizes efficiency and adaptability to our clients’ specific requirements. We are a new, innovative, reliable and accessible alternative to existing, limited sources of scandium on the market. Our geographically advantageous location in northern Quebec, Canada is ideal to efficiently supply the North American market.

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION
  • Innovative product, innovative company, innovative approach
  • Proven, eco-friendly technology and methods
  • Quick ramp-up and scalable output
  • Independent, lean and flexible company
  • Accessible — close, solid relationship with its clients
  • Reputable and reliable

A MARKET/GROWTH ALLOY WITH SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL

SOLID-OXIDE FUEL CELLS

The unique properties of scandium improve the performance of fuel cells.

AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

A scandium-aluminum alloy’s increased strength and weldability reduces weight and generates significant fuel savings.

HEAT EXCHANGERS

Scandium makes it possible to create smaller and lighter components, leading to performance benefits.

SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

Sporting goods, medical equipment, 3D, high tech – scandium’s performance, lightness and flexibility are useful to a variety of industries and serve many purposes.

MORE INFORMATION

If you want to learn more about our company, our products and our ability to deliver what you expect, please contact us at any time on scandium.inquiry@riotinto.com.