Diplomats from 30 nations were in Saskatoon yesterday to tour Vital Metals’ Rare Earth Processing Facility in Saskatoon. Vital Metals is Canada’s first rare earths miner and producer, and shares support services with the Saskatchewan Research Council for its project.

The company’s Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Affairs, David Connelly, says critical metals and particularly the supply of rare earths have important economic, environmental and security implications. He explains that the facility can supply low impact, ethically produced rare earths. They are in high demand for various clean technology uses, especially as permanent magnets for the growing electric vehicle industry, wind turbines, and energy efficient air conditioners. Among the 30 nations, there were visitors from Argentina, Croatia, the European Union, Spain and Peru.

Vital explains that both Vital Minerals and SRC are neighbours in Saskatoon’s north end, with both building their own rare earth processing facilities. SRC will provide support to the Vital plant on a contract basis, in areas such as specialized crushing, analysis and quality control. Both plants will create about 100 jobs.