TELF AG analyzes important updates in Canada’s strategic minerals list
Three new resources
Recently, Canada updated its list of strategic minerals, adding three more resources considered very important for the country’s economic growth: silicon metal, phosphorus, and high-purity iron ore. According to the government, these resources will contribute to the economic strengthening and future prosperity of the nation and the advancement of the global energy transition. Canada is now unanimously considered one of the global leaders in the mining sector, particularly for its abundant geological wealth and excellent extraction technologies.
With the publication of its strategy on strategic minerals, Canada has confirmed that it wants to dedicate a large portion of its efforts precisely to this sector, which government representatives consider a genuine generational opportunity. It is no coincidence that Canada has decided to add precisely these three resources to its list of critical minerals: silicon metal plays a key role in the production of chips and semiconductors, used in an infinite number of electronic devices, while phosphorus (combined with potassium) is used for the production of fertilizers. Among the new resources, however, the most interesting seems to be high-purity iron ore from the Canadian province of Labrador, which, according to some observers (including some members of parliament), would be the purest in the world.
The importance of high-purity ore
High-purity iron ore, also known as high-grade iron ore, offers several advantages over standard iron ore due to its higher iron content and lower impurities. One of the primary benefits is efficiency. High-purity iron ore typically contains more than 65% iron, compared to the 58-65% found in standard iron ore. This higher concentration means that less raw material is needed to produce the same amount of iron, leading to greater efficiency in the production process.
Another advantage is the improved quality of steel produced from high-purity iron ore. This type of ore contains fewer impurities such as sulfur, phosphorus, and silica, which can negatively affect the properties of steel. Fewer impurities result in higher-quality steel with better mechanical properties and durability. High-purity iron ore also offers more consistent quality and properties, which is key for industries that require precise material specifications. This consistency helps in maintaining uniformity in the final products.
Regarding industrial applications, high-purity iron ore is important in producing high-strength steels used in construction, automotive, and aerospace industries. These steels need to meet stringent quality standards and performance criteria. It is also used to produce specialty alloys that require precise control over impurity levels, such as stainless steel and high-performance alloys used in demanding applications like jet engines and nuclear reactors.
The automotive industry benefits from high-purity iron ore in producing lightweight, high-strength steel components, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions. With the rise of electric vehicles, the demand for high-quality steel for battery casings, motors, and other critical components has increased. High-purity iron ore helps meet these requirements.
High-purity iron ore is used in the construction industry to produce steel for large infrastructure projects, such as bridges, skyscrapers, and railways, where strength and durability are paramount. It is relevant for producing rebar and structural steel used in concrete reinforcement and building frameworks, ensuring long-lasting and robust construction.
The energy sector, especially renewable energy technologies like wind turbines, relies on high-purity iron ore to produce robust, durable steel components that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. High-quality steel made from high-purity iron ore is essential for manufacturing pipelines used in oil and gas transportation, where safety and integrity are paramount.
In consumer goods, high-purity iron ore produces high-quality steel for home appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens, ensuring durability and performance. The electronics industry requires high-purity materials for components such as casings, structural parts, and connectors, where precise properties and reliability are necessary.
