Grant: Alliance Grants

Titanium (Ti) is a critical mineral in Canada, essential for the country's prosperity and national security. Metal recycling supports the Ti industry but poses persistent fire risks, especially with Ti-rich scraps, resulting in hazardous fire residues. Currently, no specific regulations exist in Canada or globally for managing these residues. This project aims to develop a cost-effective strategy for the safe collection, handling, recycling, or disposal of fire residues from Ti-rich scraps. It will characterize these residues, identify safety challenges, recommend worker safety measures, minimize environmental impacts, and optimize costs and time. The project will also explore recycling opportunities for these residues, with broader applicability to metals like lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), and silicon (Si). Deliverables include two scientific papers as well as recommendations for management and policy uptake. École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) (Montreal, Quebec) will lead the project, collaborating with Metalliage Inc. (St-Hubert, Quebec) and Fintex Mécanique et Procédés (Brossard, Quebec). Metalliage, a Ti recycler, will contribute $35,000 CAD in cash, while Fintex, a engineering consulting firm, will provide in-kind expertise. For the 2-year project, one MASc student and one post-doctoral intern will be recruited, prioritizing underrepresented groups when they are elligible. Scholarships and inclusive team dynamics will support the trainees in the industrial and academic research environments. Trainees will spend at least 60% of their time at ÉTS and at least 25% at Metalliage, enhancing technical and research skills, gaining industry experience, and developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This project will advance the understanding of Ti-rich fire residues while providing a framework for safe and sustainable fire residue management across the metal recycling industry. Findings will inform industry guidelines, enhance worker safety, and promote environmental standards.