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 interrelated 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 and Critical Minerals Centre in 1967 underlined the strategic role that research and development plays at RTFT and its mission is to develop and improve processes and build the value of our products to expand our markets. 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, image analysers and scanning electron microscopes.
Latest RTFT releases
06 May 2022
Rio Tinto becomes the first producer of scandium oxide in North America
SOREL-TRACY, Canada – Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) has produced a first batch of high purity scandium oxide at its commercial scale demonstration plant in Sorel-Tracy, becoming the first North American producer of this critical mineral, which is notably used in solid oxide fuel cells and in aluminium alloys. The RTFT team has completed commissioning activities, and is now focusing on production
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17 June 2021
Rio Tinto opens new scandium plant in Canada
SOREL-TRACY, Quebec--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has started operations at a new commercial scale demonstration plant to produce high-quality scandium oxide at its Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. The $6 million project, in which the Government of Quebec contributed approximately $650,000 through the Quebec Plan for the Development of Critical and S
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10 May 2021
Rio Tinto develops new steel powder for 3-D printing
SOREL-TRACY, Canada - Rio Tinto has successfully developed and tested a steel powder designed for 3-D printing applications at its Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. The water atomized steel powder delivers mechanical properties superior to conventional metal manufacturing techniques, paving the way for advances in the use of 3-D printing technology f
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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