Minister Vandal announces investment in processing of rare earth elements in Saskatchewan
Summary
Saskatchewan Research Council to advance processing and commercialization of rare earth elements with support from the Government of CanadaSASKATOON, SK, March 14, 2024 /CNW/ - Saskatchewan is a mining powerhouse, providing potash for agriculture, uranium for clean fuel, helium for medical and industrial use, and now rare earth elements (REE), which are used in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, everyday electronics, and industrial uses.Thanks to leaders like the Saskatchewan Research Council, the province is going beyond mining and exploration, to processing and commercializing value-added products using REEs at the Rare Earth Processing Facility in Saskatoon, the first of its kind in Canada.In Saskatoon today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan, announced funding of $6 million to support the Saskatchewan Research Council at their Rare Earth Processing Facility. The investment is being made through PrairiesCan to support economic development and diversification and help build a stronger Prairies economy.Todays funding builds on earlier support from PrairiesCan of $2.5 million in interest-free repayable funding for SRC to purchase equipment needed to establish the Rare Earth Processing Facility and a recent investment of almost $5 million from Natural Resources Canada through the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration program.The Government of Canada, through the Critical Minerals Strategy, is making crucial investments in critical minerals, and the foundation of a greener and more sustainable economy for the future. "Our government is seizing opportunities to invest in a strong, sustainable future for all Canadians, while supporting our regional strengths like mining, exploration, and mineral processing. Saskatchewans leadership in this sector will help establish a domestic rare earth supply chain that adds value to our economy and creates good jobs for Canadians. None to Boost Supply of Critical Minerals and Strengthen Value Chains With Investment in the Saskatchewan Research Council - Canada.ca None Minister Vandal announces investment in processing of rare earth elements in - Canada.caFollow PrairiesCan on Twitter and LinkedInToll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388For further information: Contacts: Carson Debert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, [email protected]; Craig Henry Communications Manager, Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected]; Francois Biber, Communications Specialist, Saskatchewan Research Council, [email protected]