19 October 2022
SASKATOON, SASK - October 19, 2022 – Heads-of-Mission from 30 countries today toured Vital Metals’ Rare Earth Processing Facility in Saskatoon.
“We are here because critical metals and, particularly, the supply of rare earths have important economic, environmental and security implications for each of our nations,” said David Connelly, Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Affairs for Vital Metals Ltd. and its mining subsidiary, Cheetah Resources Corp. “We are here because Canada is a reliable, responsible supplier of low impact, ethically produced rare earths that meet high ESG standards. And, because Saskatchewan is emerging as a continental rare earth processing, research and education hub.”
Vital's mission is to guarantee responsibly sourced rare earth feedstock to supply friends and allies.
Vital is completing a 3,000 square metre metallurgical facility which will process concentrate from the Nechalacho Rare Earth mine in the Northwest Territories into a mixed rare earth carbonate. This product will be further refined in Norway and America into separate rare earth elements. Vital expects phase one of its facility to employ 40 people.
Rare earths are in high demand for a myriad of clean technology uses, especially as permanent magnets for the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry, wind turbines, energy efficient air conditioners and elevator motors, computers and mobile phones.
One of countries on the tour, Tanzania, hosts a deposit of rare earth minerals at Wigu Hill for which Vital is seeking to obtain a rare earth mining license. The tour also includes representatives from Algeria, Argentina, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Croatia, Estonia, European Union, Gabon, Georgia, Hungary, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Mali, Peru, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Togolese Republic, Uganda and Zimbabwe.