Empire Metals Ltd (AIM:EEE, OTCQX:EPMLF) has announced a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate confirming one of the world’s largest titanium deposits at its Pitfield Project in Western Australia.
The estimate totals 2.2 billion tonnes grading 5.1% titanium dioxide, equivalent to 113 million tonnes of contained TiO₂. It covers the Thomas and Cosgrove deposits, which together represent less than 20% of the known mineralised surface area.
The company reported that the Indicated Resource category accounts for 697 million tonnes at 5.3% titanium dioxide, predominantly from the Thomas deposit.
"Pitfield is truly one of the natural geological wonders of the world: a district-scale, giant titanium-rich ore deposit which has remained hidden in plain sight until recently discovered by Empire," said managing director Shaun Bunn.
"Credit goes to our talented exploration and technical team who have delivered one of the world's largest titanium MRE, a metallurgical flowsheet and a saleable product, all within a remarkable short period of 30 months from our first drill hole."
Titanium mineralisation at Pitfield extends from the surface, displaying strong continuity along strike and at depth. Empire added that the friable, weathered zone is amenable to low-cost strip mining with no overburden or blasting required.
"The incredible success achieved to date has only spurred our team's endeavours to untap the true potential of this phenomenal project and we remain focused on completing our processing optimisation testwork and moving rapidly into continuous piloting early next year," Bunn added.
"We have already commenced engineering, environmental and marketing studies, which combined, will help confirm the commercial viability of Pitfield and form the basis for a Final Investment Decision."