SGS and Exterra Technologies Forge a Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Mineral Processing

On March 4, 2026, at the PDAC 2026 Convention in Toronto, SGS, a premier global company specializing in testing, inspection, and certification, announced a transformative long-term collaboration with Exterra Technologies, a mining tech firm based in Quebec. This partnership is strategically focused on boosting the processing capacity for critical minerals within Canada while tackling the essential challenge of reducing the environmental impact associated with mineral production.

This announcement coincided with an earlier declaration by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, the Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, who revealed that Exterra has secured a contribution agreement of $5 million CAD from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to push forward its flagship Hub I pre-commercial project in Quebec. This agreement enhances Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy, which aims to establish the nation as a prominent global supplier of sustainably sourced critical minerals.

As part of the new collaboration, Exterra will explore the regeneration of vital chemical inputs on-site. This innovative approach aims to lower both reagent costs and environmental effects, as compared to conventional single-use acids and bases shipped to mining locations. SGS will play a crucial role in independently testing and validating these methods through detailed piloting. Exterra's CEO, Olivier Dufresne, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, "With SGS providing validation services, we are advancing a platform that aims to lower operating costs while also minimizing our carbon footprint. This collaboration will enable us to build a cleaner, more competitive supply chain that starts in Quebec and could be scaled globally."

SGS is set to integrate Exterra's modular pilot plants and analytical systems into its leading metallurgical laboratories located in Quebec City, Lakefield, and Burnaby. The creation of this independent platform will facilitate validation, optimization, and rapid deployment of new mineral processing technologies. SGS aims to provide third-party validation of Exterra's innovations, charting a disciplined pathway toward commercial readiness necessary for the success of these technologies in the marketplace.

In this endeavor, Exterra is ready to invest over $10 million CAD for research, development, and testing at SGS facilities. This investment is crucial for demonstrating the scalability of the innovative platform across a variety of future applications. Stephen Mackie, the Senior Director of Metallurgy and Consulting at Natural Resources for SGS North America, emphasized the significance of this partnership: "The future of mining must tackle the pressing issues relating to costs, recovery, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. We are enthusiastic about integrating Exterra's pilot operations within our facilities, which will bolster independent validation and speed up the deployment of next-generation mineral processing solutions."

Minister Hodgson reiterated the importance of the collaboration, stating, "Canada is poised to develop the next generation of mineral processing technologies that will not only generate quality jobs but also fortify our supply chains and position Canada as a leader in global clean technology. This collaboration exemplifies how our government is facilitating domestic solutions that reduce costs while mitigating environmental impacts, thereby nurturing a more resilient and competitive economy for all Canadians."

SGS's corporate strategy, known as Strategy 27, addresses significant trends in the testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) sector. This partnership aligns with the urgent transition toward electrification, clean manufacturing, and robust supply chain security for the mining and energy sectors. Furthermore, it complements SGS's IMPACT NOW sustainability framework, dedicated to minimizing environmental and social consequences in resource development.

Founded over 145 years ago, SGS operates a vast network of more than 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by over 100,000 dedicated professionals. Their commitment to trust and reliability empowers organizations to meet high standards of quality and sustainability.

Exterra Technologies, established in Quebec, specializes in the development of next-gen mineral processing solutions that expedite the market introduction of critical minerals while decreasing costs and environmental footprints. Their unique technology facilitates the circular regeneration and reuse of essential chemical inputs, significantly reducing waste and tailings compared to traditional processing methods.

Both SGS and Exterra are gearing up to revolutionize the mineral processing landscape, setting the stage for innovations that not only benefit the industry financially but also advance environmental stewardship in Canada’s mining operations. This partnership is a significant stride towards sustainable practices in the resource sector, illustrating how coordinated strategies can lead to impactful changes for future generations.

For more information about SGS, visit their official website at SGS. To explore Exterra Technologies, check Exterra Technologies.