A Kingston metal processing facility unveiled a major investment.
Facility owner Ucore Rare Metals Inc. announced $4.2 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration Program (CMRDD) on Feb. 5. The investment intends to strengthen Canada’s rare earth elements market, a critical step in the domestic electric vehicle supply chain, according to Natural Resources Canada.
Ucore’s facility will focus on processing and separating minerals essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines. With increased funding, Ucore is ramping up its production of rare earth metals, targeting between 13 and 15 tonnes of rare earth minerals, according to a Ucore press release.
The facility is an economic driver for Kingston, offering employment opportunities for skilled trades and professional occupations, including for Indigenous community , according to Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands.
In collaboration with Ucore’s project partners, Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc. (KPM) hires “a significant” number of interns and recent graduates from Queen’s University, Michael Schrider, vice-president and chief operating officer of Ucore said in a statement to The Journal.
“This funding will Ucore’s pilot facility in Kingston, which is North America’s largest rare earth separation facility, ing jobs and growth,” said Shelly Hirstwood, director of business development for Kingston Economic Development Corporation, in a statement to The Journal.
Hirstwood highlighted Kingston’s ranking by StartupBlink, which asserts Kingston offers the ninth best startup ecosystem in Canada. She emphasized the critical role rare elements play in achieving “net zero” plans through their application in electric vehicles and wind turbines. This investment is a step towards clean technology and an environmentally conscious future.
“Clean technology is a priority sector for Kingston, and Ucore is one of the anchor companies that exemplifies the Kingston vision and drive for innovation,” Hirstwood said.
The facility for processing and separating minerals opened in September 2023, and the upgrades are set to be completed by March 31, 2025.
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