CANADA’S FIRST RARE EARTH METALS MINE

By: Evan Lucyk

There has been big buzz surrounding Canada's first rare earth metals mine in the news of late. Among the praise that the mine has garnered so far includes: a sorting process that is said to be more environmentally friendly, but more on that later. What´s also exciting and impressive about the project, which is run by Cheetah Resources (the owners of the resources near the surface of the rare earth deposit), is not only the first in the nation to produce rare earth, but it will also be the first pioneers in Canada to contract an Indigenous business to extract materials on their own territory, and Bit Service is especially a fan of that important and progressive step.

SAFER, MORE SUSTAINABLE SORTING PROCESS

So, what is so special about this new sorting process? In direct contrast to mines harvesting materials like gold and diamonds, rare earth mines eschew the use of any chemicals whatsoever. Instead, the mines (or at least this one in particular) utilize a sensor-based ore sorter to sort everything in only one step thanks to the help of x-rays and puffs of air to sort the ore into streams of waste rock and a rare earth concentrate.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT RARE EARTH METALS?

While the name is a bit of a misnomer (“rare” metals aren’t so much as rare as they are expensive), they are definitely in high demand. So, why does everyone want these precious materials? Well, especially in the last few decades with the technology boom, we have seen demand for the rare earth metal europium skyrocket. (For those unaware, europium is the color-producing phosphor in video screens, including computer monitors and plasma TVs, although it does have many other uses.) Also reason for high demand? These are the little wonders behind powering many commonly used electronic devices today, which those two factors/uses alone sends them to the special category for many of us

It also should be noted that as the demand is rising for rare earth metals, there are currently no real viable alternative materials sufficient to replace them. As a technology-based and dependent society, this should make us avidly invested in finding ways to secure rare earth metals here on our own soil.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR CANADA IN PARTICULAR?

So, after reading this, you may be wondering still… Why is this such a big deal? Who cares? The short answer is: We do! And so should you. Why? It´s simple. It´s bolstering the industry and helping to make Canada more of a focal point — even paving the way for us to be considered experts in this particular (and important) field of mining for the world.

It also places more emphasis on our own mining producers. We have the opportunity to gain exposure and be seen as a focused, set-apart niche in the global market. This could really helps us level the playing field with the rest of the worlds players.

HOW DOES BIT SERVICE FIT IN?

Now that we have gotten you excited about this big news as well, the natural next question is: How does Bit Service come into play? We’re glad you (sort of) asked! Using our decades of experience in the industry, Bit Service can help you navigate this — and any — niche and sector in the mining industry. From advising you on material handling, maintenance best practices, wear reduction, and beyond, Bit Service can provide you with the solutions you need.

Contact us today to explore your next step.