Project components:
Rare earth separation plant
Building a modern separation plant in Sept-Îles will be a key component of Torngat Metals' rare earth development project. Located in the industrial zone of the port of Pointe-Noire, this plant will make it possible to locally process ore concentrate from the Strange Lake deposit in Nunavik and to separate the rare earth elements essential for low-carbon technologies.
Covering an area of approximately 110 hectares, the plant will be divided into areas designated for:
- Storing concentrate and other inputs
- Separating rare earth elements
- Processing effluent
- Storing tailings
- Administrative buildings, warehouses, parking lots, etc.
Why Sept-Îles?
Compared to other sites, Sept-Îles offers a number of major advantages, in particular the ability to consistently implement the project within the existing industrial environment:
- The current infrastructure (port, railway network, electrical grid) will ensure optimal logistical integration.
- Qualified heavy industry workers are available locally.
- The industrial/mining ecosystem is well established.
- The ecosystem is conducive to local partnerships.
Representing an investment of approximately $800 million, this project offers economic benefits for the city of Sept-Îles and the entire Côte-Nord region, including high-quality job creation, business opportunities for local companies and enhanced tax revenues for all levels of government. Over the longer term, the project will help to position Sept-Îles as a key player in an emerging industrial sector.
Industrial processes: internationally recognized and closely monitored
The main technologies used will involve two proven industrial processes: sulphation and leaching.
Thanks to a closed-circuit system, the plant will recycle 100% of the water used in the processes; there will be no discharge. The necessary water will come from Lake Hall, which already supplies the local port and railway authority (SFP Pointe-Noire).
An environmental monitoring system will be implemented, including air quality monitoring and rigorous waste management. Waste materials will be separated, dried and stored in piles on a secure site. This will facilitate gradual land restoration and improved stability.
Annual production forecasts
The plant will produce high-purity heavy rare earth elements (Dy/Tb) as well as light rare earth elements (Nd/Pr) used for manufacturing permanent magnets in electric motors.
Dysprosium (Dy) (tons/year)
Terbium (Tb) (tons/year)
Neodymium/praseodymium (Nd/Pr) (tons/year)
Ammonium nitrate (approximately 55,000 tons/year) is a by-product of the rare earth separation process. It will be destined for the fertilizer market and agricultural uses.
Environmental reference frameworks
In addition to complying with environmental standards in effect in Quebec and across Canada, Torngat Metals undertakes to apply international environmental, governance and social responsibility best practices, including the following:
- Equator Principles
- International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- Towards Sustainable Mining initiative (TSM)
Adopting these international frameworks will help to rigorously monitor the project management process. External audits will be conducted regularly to ensure compliance with various undertakings, in line with local community expectations.
Next steps and public consultations
Torngat Metals is pursuing its community engagement and active listening approach designed to meet the expectations of local and Indigenous communities. Regular meetings with members of the public and local stakeholders lie at the heart of our community engagement efforts.
A project notice was submitted to Quebec’s Department of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) in August 2025. The goal is to complete the environmental impact study for the new site in early 2026. The results will be presented publicly.
The project should also be subject to a public review by Quebec’s Environmental Public Hearings Bureau (BAPE).
Events
- Public information and consultation sessions – June 11, 2025: Report, Recording at 1:30 p.m. and Recording at 6:30 p.m. (available in French only)
- Information session – Ferland District – September 18, 2024: Minutes, Presentation and Recording (available in French only)
- Presentation to the Sept-Îles-Uashat mak Mani-Utenam Chamber of commerce – July 3, 2024
- Information session – April 15, 2024: Minutes and recording (available in French only)
- Information session – April 11, 2024: Minutes and recording (available in French only)
Contact us
We invite you to consult the Frequently Asked Questions section dedicated to our separation plant project.
If you have any questions or comments or would like to share your ideas with us, please send an email to:
engage-QC@torngatmetals.com