TITANIUM MINING: Rio Tinto extending life of ilmenite mine

QUEBEC - Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) is planning to extend the life of its Lac Tio ilmenite mine in Havre Saint Pierre to 2050 and modernize its metallurgical complex at Sorel-Tracy. Mining will expand to seven days a week from five, creating 70 new jobs. Projects at the metallurgical complex will improve efficiency and boost environmental performance, including a 60% reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions.

RTFT says the changes carry a price tag of $800 million, to be spent over the next five years.

Rio says its plans are aligned with Quebec's Northern Plan, a 25-year social, environmental and economic development project. The government will invest more than $2.1 billion in the next five years to build infrastructure and support the training of a skilled workforce.

The company's production of titanium dioxide increased 21% in 2010 compared to 2009. Details are available at www.QIT.com.