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