Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT) has started its BlueSmelting demonstration plant at its metallurgical compete in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. The plant will validate the BlueSmelting technology, which aims to decarbonize RTIT’s Quebec operations.
The project involves an ilmenite reduction technology that could generate 95% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the current reduction process, which includes the burning of coal. The production of titanium dioxide, steel, and metal powders would have a significantly lower carbon footprint.
The demonstration plant will process 40,000 tonnes of ilmenite per year, making it the largest of its kind in the world based on this type of technology. The plant was constructed over 14 months and safely started.
The BlueSmelting plant is part of Rio Tinto’s decarbonization strategy, which aims to reduce the company’s emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
If fully implemented, Rio said the BlueSmelting project has the potential to deliver a reduction of up to 70% in RTIT Quebec’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.
