Canadian rare earths company Geomega has begun modifying its rare-earth pilot plant, located at the National Research Council in Boucherville, Quebec, to be able to produce hand santiser.

In a statement announcing the initiative, Geomega says that the hand sanitiser will be geared predominantly towards retirement homes and hospitals to help combat the spread of Covid-19.

The company has received the natural product number and all the approvals from Health Canada in order to manufacture hand sanitiser using the World Health Organisation-recommended formulation.

“Geomega’s chemical processing team has proven once again its skill to utilise its expertise with evolving market conditions. I am proud of our team that shows flexibility, motivation and creativity, especially during a difficult situation like we see globally today. Geomega can assure its shareholders that these modifications to the pilot plant will in no way impede the progress of building the much larger demonstration plant located in nearby St. Bruno, Quebec,” states president and CEO Kiril Mugerman.

Geomega strives to become Canada’s first rare-earth oxide producer, using recycled magnet waste, making Canada one of the few countries outside Asia to be able to do so.

Mugerman notes that Geomega has continued to advance, even under recent difficult physical distancing measures, and is progressing successfully in the engineering work with engineering group Hatch.

Upon engineering being completed, ordering the long-lead items for the facility will be its next priority.

Geomega secured project debt financing of C$1.72-million from the Quebec government this February, which has effectively fulfilled the required capital to complete construction of the demonstration plant.

“Geomega, in conjunction with the Quebec government, has a very clear objective to establish Quebec as a hub for a clean technology and sustainable rare earths refining industry, self-reliant and not dependent on other countries for key materials. In light of recent events and supply shortages, as highlighted by reported delays in medical ventilators construction due to lack of permanent magnets this has never been more critical. Geomega looks forward to further engagement with end-users and governments on rare earths recycling and establishing a sustainable supply chain based right here in Quebec, Canada,” Mugerman says.

The company will be donating 20% of its hand-sanitiser production to local long-term care homes and other charities.