Domestic alumina resource in Saskatchewan described as a potential game changer

Canadian Energy Metals announced Project Thor and reported a preliminary assessment estimating 6.8 billion tonnes of alumina in ore near Tisdale, Saskatchewan; the company plans a pre-feasibility study and to design a demonstration plant in 2026.

Canadian Energy Metals announced Project Thor at a news conference at the University of Saskatchewan and presented a preliminary economic assessment of a large alumina-bearing deposit near Tisdale. The company said the assessment estimates 6.8 billion tonnes of alumina contained in 49.5 billion tonnes of ore within about 600 square kilometres. Company and provincial officials described the find as a potential first domestic source of alumina, and the company said it will spend 2026 evaluating the resource and planning a demonstration plant. Key details: - Canadian Energy Metals announced Project Thor and reported a preliminary economic assessment that estimates 6.8 billion tonnes of alumina in 49.5 billion tonnes of ore near Tisdale, Saskatchewan. - The company said the deposit lies within roughly 600 square kilometres near Tisdale. - The ore is reported as polymetallic black shale rather than bauxite, which the article said could reduce environmental impact. - The company plans to enter a pre-feasibility study and to design and engineer a demonstration plant in 2026 and has acquired buildings and land in Tisdale for that purpose. - The article notes nearby rail infrastructure that the company says could move product to markets in North America and beyond. Summary: The company said the estimated deposit would equal roughly one-third of the world's known alumina supply. The immediate next steps are a pre-feasibility study and the engineering and design of a demonstration plant during 2026. Local and provincial officials have expressed support as the project is evaluated.