Manufacturing Processes

As industry leader, Rio Tinto Metal Powders is constantly improving its products and perfecting new applications. However, it is in its manufacturing process that RTMP stands out among its competitors.

Manufacturing in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, Canada

At Havre St. Pierre, Quebec, Rio Tinto Metal Powders’ sister company, Rio Tinto Fer et Titane, owns and operates an ilmenite mine, which is renowned for the purity and consistency of its large ilmenite ore body. The ore from this mine is treated at the RTFT Sorel-Tracy smelter to produce two products: titanium dioxide, for the pigment industry, and high purity iron. Given the excellent quality of the ore supply, the resulting high purity iron is of equally high quality. It has served QMP’s raw material needs since powder production began in 1968. Rio Tinto Metal Powders is the only world-class, fully integrated powder manufacturer (from virgin ore to finished powder.) Current geological estimates place our reserves at this mine site at forty years or more. As well, since our geologists have already identified several other ilmenite deposits in the surrounding area, we can be assured of a steady supply of raw material for many decades to come.

Manufacturing in Suzhou, China

QMP started powder manufacturing in Suzhou, China in 2005. The official opening was held on May 31, 2005. The event marked the beginning of QMP-Suzhou’s FLOMET blending plant, an administration office, a product warehouse and a customer technical service laboratory. On June 3^rd 2014, the Suzhou facility was expanded with addition of a new 8000mt per year metal powders annealing plant, as well as increased laboratory space and technical capabilities.

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