Québec
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT) Quebec Operations have been processing ore from northern Quebec for more than 70 years. They are 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. They also produce 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, RTIT Quebec Operations
The RTIT Quebec Operations Metallurgical Complex is composed of 6 interrelated plants and represents 100 football fields.
Innovation at RTIT Quebec Operations
Throughout our history, we have continually improved the processes at RTIT Quebec Operations. After first pioneering a new technique for processing ilmenite, we took on the challenge of diversifying our product line as RTIT Quebec Operations 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, RTIT Quebec Operations have 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
RTIT Quebec Operations were founded on research and development and they continue 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 and their 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, RTIT Quebec Operations are among the 100 most active Canadian companies in research and development.
Research has an impact on all areas of activity at our RTIT Quebec Operations, 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 RTIT releases
12 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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29 September 2022
Rio Tinto starts demonstration plant for lithium concentration in Quebec
SOREL-TRACY, Quebec--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has started producing spodumene concentrate, a mineral used in the production of lithium for batteries, at a demonstration plant in its Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT) Quebec Operations in our metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Canada. The plant will demonstrate at industrial scale a new spodumene concentration process that provides lithi
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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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Contact RTIT
Sorel-Tracy
1625, Marie-Victorin Road
Sorel-Tracy Quebec J3R 1M6
Canada
E: RTIT Enquiries
T: +1 450 746 3000
RTIT Havre-Saint-Pierre
951, de l’Escale Road
Havre-Saint-Pierre Quebec G0G 1P0
Canada
T: +1 418 538 2400