Sustainability & Environment.

Driving innovation

Avalon Rare Metals Inc. has developed one of the world's largest undeveloped rare earth element deposits at its flagship Nechalacho property in the Northwest Territories. The deposit is uniquely enriched in valuable heavy rare earth elements, including dysprosium and terbium, which are critical for green energy technologies and represent one of the few sources outside China's dominance of the global REE market.

Reusing what is not renewable

Teck Trail Operations has processed over 40,000 tonnes of electronic waste since launching its recycling program in 2006, with expectations to reach 50,000 tonnes by 2011. The program recovers metals from discarded electronics across B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan, converting lead from CRT glass back into metal form at their lead smelter while maintaining environmental safety standards.

Seeing infrared

Firebird Technologies in Trail, BC produces 3,500 indium antimonide wafers annually for infrared detection systems, using indium supplied by Teck Metals. The company is expanding into germanium processing and positioning itself for the solar market with access to multiple specialty metals.

From mine to magnet

Great Western Minerals Group has identified a 2.6 million tonne rare earth resource at its Hoidas Lake property in Saskatchewan, with strong showings of neodymium and 17% phosphate content. The company is targeting production to start in 2015, positioning to supply the growing demand for rare earth magnets used in wind turbines and hybrid vehicles.

The future found in the ground

Avalon Rare Metals' market development executive Ian London explains the critical importance of rare earth elements in modern technology and green energy applications. The company is actively exploring its Nechalacho project in the Northwest Territories, focusing on elements essential for everything from LED lighting to solar panels and permanent magnets.