MONTREAL, QC, CANADA – August 27, 2025— Torngat Metals, a Quebec-based rare earths development company, confirms its intention to establish its rare earth separation plant in the Pointe-Noire industrial sector of Sept-Îles and that it has filed a new project notice with Quebec’s Department of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP).
This decision marks an important milestone for the project. It reflects the company’s commitment to establishing deep roots in the community, following a process of listening and dialogue carried out with the local population over the past few months.
The plant’s original planned location (Vigneault Park) had raised several concerns, particularly due to its proximity to Lac des Rapides, the city’s primary source of drinking water, and the Ferland Park residential area. After thorough analysis and in response to feedback from its community engagement activities, Torngat Metals weighed its options and entered into fresh discussions with Pointe-Noire’s Railroad and Port Authority (SFPPN), leading to the identification of the preferred site.
“We believe that a sustainable project is rooted in listening. By choosing Pointe-Noire, we are laying the groundwork for a structuring project poised to bring long-term economic benefits to Sept-Îles while concretely addressing the concerns that have been raised. Our commitment to public dialogue will be reaffirmed at every stage of the project,” said Yves Leduc, CEO of Torngat Metals.
New project notice filing and public consultation
The decision to move forward with the alternate site requires the filing of a new project notice (only available in French) with the MELCCFP. Following this submission, the ministry issued a directive and is now initiating a 30-day public consultation, led by the ministry, aimed at identifying the issues that the impact study should address. Torngat Metals invites all Sept-Îles residents to play an active role in the upcoming consultation process so they can share their viewpoints and/or concerns.
Environmental impact study
Once the new project notice has been filed, an environmental impact study for the new site will be independently conducted by the engineering services firm AtkinsRéalis and should be submitted to the MELCCPF in the beginning of 2026. The study will look into the project’s potential physical, biological, human and socio-economic effects. It will also propose mitigation measures and a rigorous social and environmental monitoring program. The impact study’s findings and main conclusions will subsequently be presented at a public forum organized by Torngat Metals.
About Torngat Metals
Torngat Metals is a privately held Canadian company working to develop the Strange Lake project and to supply responsibly produced rare earth elements used in high technology and low-carbon-emission solutions. With operations in Quebec as well as Newfoundland and Labrador, the company aims to become an internationally recognized source of light rare earths and a world leader in efforts to resolve the heavy rare earths supply crisis, in particular dysprosium and terbium. Drawing on solid partnerships with the First Nations and local communities, complemented by state-of-the-art engineering and new approaches to minimizing environmental impacts, Torngat Metals aims to play a key role in the global transition to clean energy. To learn more, please visit: www.torngatmetals.com.