Empire Metals Ltd (AIM:EEE) said testwork on material from its Pitfield titanium project in Australia had identified number several potential processing routes with the focus now on a process for both anatase and titanite ores.
An objective of the tests has been to develop a processing flowsheet for a fully integrated, mine-to-high-value titanium product facility, Empire added, with work so far focused on the bedrock titanite ore and separating the Ti-bearing minerals from the low-value, gangue minerals
But the discovery of concentrated, high-purity anatase in the overlying weathered bedrock cap has shifted the emphasis to include this, said Empire.
Shaun Bunn, managing director, commented: “With new knowledge being generated about Pitfield's ore geology and the titanium industry market requirements, plans for the next phase of test work are being tailored towards the development of a commercial process flowsheet optimised for Pitfield anatase and titanite ores."
“Through the mineralogical studies completed to date at AXT and CSIRO we now have an increasingly detailed understanding of the mineralisation, both for the fresh and the weathered titanium minerals, as well as for the gangue minerals."
Bunn added that Empire is also working closely with titanium industry and market consultant TiMPC to determine what types of products are most desired by the major titanium industry players and how Empire can market its high-purity products towards the high-value end of the market.