Electric Vehicles and Rare Earths: Saskatchewan's Bold Move Against Chinese Dominance

Electric Vehicles Drive Demand for Rare Earths

The Canadian province of Saskatchewan has vowed to compete with China in processing and production of rare earths and become the first North American commercial alternative source for the metals, used to make magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Saskatchewan's Rare Earth Processing Facility

• The Saskatchewan Research Council Rare Earth Processing facility is betting on demand for these magnets to jump in the next couple of years, driven by demand from original equipment manufacturers such as carmakers.
• Located in a province known for copper, potash, and uranium mines, the facility aims to capitalize on local mining prowess.

The Global Landscape of Rare Earths

China controls 95 percent of the global production and supply of rare earth metals, allowing it to dictate prices and create uncertainty through export controls.

1. In the past year, China has imposed export restrictions on critical metals, prompting western nations to explore alternatives.
2. With expectations to produce 40 tonnes of rare earth metals monthly, the SRC facility could power half a million electric vehicles.

Optimizing Production and Competing in the Market

“Our focus is to remain competitive within the Asian Metals Price Index,