Saskatoon-An exploration of rare earth resources at Hoidas Lake in northern Saskatchewan could eventually lead to by-product phosphate production, according to mineral leaseholder Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. The company’s primary focus is currently on the recovery of rare earth elements (REE) from the existing phosphate mineral apatite and silicate mineral allanite. Among the elements being eyed are those that can be used in rechargeable batteries for hybrid vehicles. A major hurdle for the project is that it is some 60 kilometers away from where the nearest permanent road is scheduled to terminate. One option is to truck the material to Fond Du Lac, where the ore could be processed, rather than setting up infrastructure at Hoidas Lake. Another option, according to GWMG spokesman Gordon Dent, is to use a new generation of dirigible now on the market to fly out the minerals for processing. For more information, see www.gwmg.ca.
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