Québec
Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) has been processing ore from northern Quebec for more than 70 years. It is a world leading producer of high-grade titanium dioxide feedstock, a product commonly used as a pigment to whiten a range of products such as paint, textiles and paper. It also produces iron and steel used in specialised applications such as the automotive industry and wind turbines.
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Mine at Lac Tio
Our mine at Lac Tio is located 43 kilometres north-east of Havre-Saint-Pierre on the largest solid ilmenite deposit in the world. -
Metallurgical complex
The RTFT Metallurgical Complex is composed of 6 inter-related plants and represents
100 football fields.
Innovation at RTFT
Throughout our history, we have continually improved the processes at Rio Tinto, Fer et Titane. After first pioneering a new technique for processing ilmenite, we took on the challenge of diversifying our product line as RTFT targeted the metal powder and steel markets.
Several technological breakthroughs then sharpened the competitive edge of our products. In the last decade, we have focused on developing, marketing and fine-tuning the UGS process, which produces slag with a very high titanium dioxide content. By developing UGS™, an enriched titanium slag sold to pigment producers that use the chloride process, and RTCS (Rio Tinto chloride slag) a slag made from Madagascar mineral sand, RTFT has secured a strong position in a flourishing market.
Inside the UGS Plant. UGS™ is an enriched titanium slag containing 94.5% titanium dioxide, sold to pigment producers that use the chloride process.
Research & development
RTFT was founded on research and development and it continues to drive our growth strategy. The founding of our Technology Centre in 1967 underlined the strategic role that R&D plays at RTFT and its mission is to improve processes to expand our markets and build the value of our products. Our team of specialists in a wide range of fields of science and technology is a key strength for our business. Today, RTFT is among the 100 most active Canadian companies in research and development.
Research has an impact on all areas of activity at RTFT, from mining to the finished products. Strong links between research staff and operations personnel guarantee the continual improvement of our processes. Whether at the laboratory, the pilot plant or the production facilities, all research is conducted on site. The Technology and Critical Minerals Centre features state-of-the-art equipment and highly specialised instruments, such as inductively coupled plasma spectrometers, X-ray spectrometers, atomic absorption units, gas and image analysers and scanning electron microscopes.
Latest RTFT releases
11 October 2022
Rio Tinto partners with Government of Canada to decarbonise RTFT and boost critical minerals processing
MONTREAL, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto is partnering with the Government of Canada to invest up to C$737 million (US$537 million) over the next eight years to decarbonise its Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) operations in Sorel-Tracy, Québec, and to position the business as a centre of excellence for critical minerals processing. The partnership will support technological innovations tha
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11 October 2022
Partenariat entre Rio Tinto et le gouvernement du Canada afin de décarboner RTFT et de stimuler le traitement des minéraux critiques
MONTRÉAL, Canada – Rio Tinto a établi un partenariat avec le gouvernement du Canada afin d’investir jusqu’à 737 millions de dollars canadiens (537 millions de dollars américains) au cours des huit prochaines années dans le but de décarboner les installations de Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) à Sorel-Tracy, au Québec, ainsi que de positionner l’établissement comme un centre d’excellence en traiteme
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29 September 2022
Rio Tinto démarre l’usine de démonstration pour la concentration du lithium au Québec
SOREL-TRACY, Canada – Rio Tinto a amorcé la production de concentré de spodumène, un minéral utilisé dans la fabrication de lithium destiné aux batteries, dans son usine de démonstration de Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) - Opérations Québec, située au complexe métallurgique à Sorel-Tracy, au Canada.L’usine permettra de démontrer à l’échelle industrielle un nouveau procédé de concentration du spodu
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Contact RTFT
Sorel-Tracy
1625, Marie-Victorin Road
Sorel-Tracy Quebec J3R 1M6
Canada
E: RTFT Enquiries
T: +1 450 746 3000
RTFT Havre-Saint-Pierre
951 de l’Escale Road
Havre-Saint-Pierre Quebec G0G 1P0
Canada
T: +1 418 538 2400