Schneider Electric and Torngat Metals have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a resilient, responsible and fully integrated rare earth value chain. The companies said the initiative is intended to strengthen supply security for materials used in the energy transition, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies. The MoU also targets an end-to-end approach linking resource extraction, processing, industrial technology and downstream demand.
The collaboration centers on the Strange Lake rare earth project in Nunavik, Quebec. Supporting infrastructure is planned in Labrador, and a future rare earth separation facility is expected in Sept-Îles. The companies said the framework is designed to connect upstream production with industrial applications over the long term.
Integrated rare earth partnership scope
The MoU goes beyond a traditional supplier-customer relationship, with Schneider Electric and Torngat Metals exploring an integrated industrial partnership across the rare earth value chain. The proposed work combines mining and processing capabilities with industrial technologies, automation systems, electrification solutions and sustainable operational practices. The collaboration sets out two primary objectives.
One objective is to support development of a next-generation rare earth mining and processing operation using Schneider Electric’s expertise in electrification, automation, digital infrastructure, energy management and industrial sustainability. A second objective is to improve Schneider Electric’s long-term supply chain resilience by securing access to responsibly produced rare earth materials and permanent magnet components. The companies said these components are increasingly critical to modern industrial systems.
Rare earths linked to permanent magnet demand
The Strange Lake project is expected to produce both heavy and light rare earth elements. The materials are described as inputs for high-performance permanent magnets used across multiple industries. The MoU text lists applications including renewable energy systems, wind turbines, electric vehicles and data centers.
Other listed uses include robotics, advanced manufacturing equipment, digital infrastructure and industrial automation technologies. The companies also noted that much of global rare earth processing remains concentrated in a limited number of regions. They cited concerns including supply security, geopolitical risk and long-term availability.
Supply chain resilience focus from industry executives
Frederick Morency, Vice President of Sustainability, Strategic Initiatives and Innovation at Schneider Electric Canada, said the partnership reflects recognition that the energy transition depends on secure access to materials as well as technological innovation. He said the collaboration aims to connect resource extraction with industrial applications while improving long-term supply chain resilience.
The MoU also reflects a broader trend described as direct relationships between industrial consumers and upstream producers. Schneider Electric said this approach is intended to reduce exposure to supply disruptions and strengthen access to strategically important materials rather than relying solely on global commodity markets.
Torngat Metals’ role in building a Strange Lake ecosystem
For Torngat Metals, the agreement is positioned as a way to further establish Strange Lake as part of a responsible and resilient rare earth ecosystem. The company said it views the project as having potential to supply critical rare earth materials while incorporating advanced industrial technologies and sustainability principles from early stages of development.
Maryse Bélanger, Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the Board at Torngat Metals, said the collaboration provides access to industrial expertise from Schneider Electric while creating connections with future customers and end-users. She described the partnership as aimed at building a complete value chain rather than only developing a mine. The stated goal includes meeting environmental and operational standards over time.
Technology-driven sustainability elements
Schneider Electric’s contribution is framed around technology-driven sustainability for future mining and processing operations at Strange Lake. The company cited its work in digital industrial systems, smart energy management, automation platforms and efficiency solutions as potential tools for reducing environmental footprint. The MoU text links technology integration with multiple operational improvements.
The listed areas include energy efficiency, operational productivity, emissions management, resource optimization and digital monitoring capabilities. It also references long-term operational sustainability as an outcome tied to integrating advanced technologies into operations from the outset.
Responsible development across the project lifecycle
The MoU describes responsible resource development as extending beyond supply security into sustainable mining practices. Schneider Electric and Torngat Metals said they aim to integrate sustainability, operational efficiency and digital performance across stages ranging from design and construction through production and long-term operation. They said expectations from governments, investors, industrial customers and local communities are centered on higher environmental, social and governance standards.
The companies also said the agreement reflects a wider shift in critical minerals where miners increasingly partner with technology providers, manufacturers and end-users. For Strange Lake specifically, they said the collaboration could support creation of a connected rare earth ecosystem aligned with future needs in energy transition technologies, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure.
