Empire Metals (LSE:EEE) has produced an uncoated rutile titanium dioxide pigment from weathered ore at its Pitfield Titanium Project in Western Australia as it continues metallurgical testwork on potential end products from the deposit.
The company used a tailored processing flowsheet known as the Empire Process to convert material from Pitfield into a high-purity anatase TiO2 intermediate and subsequently into rutile pigment.
Recent testwork produced rutile pigment with a calculated purity of approximately 99.2% TiO2.
Testwork Targets Coated Rutile Pigment
Following production of the uncoated material, Empire is progressing testwork aimed at producing coated rutile pigment for use in architectural coatings.
The company said it is working to optimise impurity rejection and finishing parameters to meet specifications required for architectural paint applications.
Empire has also engaged specialist advisers to assist with the design of finishing facilities required for coated pigment production.
According to the company, Tier 1 coated rutile pigments currently command prices of approximately US$3,250 per tonne. This figure relates to the referenced market and does not represent a forecast selling price for future Pitfield production.
Pitfield Ore Contains Low Levels of Certain Impurities
Empire said testwork has identified low levels of deleterious elements, including radionuclides and heavy metals, in the weathered Pitfield material being evaluated.
The company is assessing whether these characteristics could simplify impurity removal during processing compared with conventional sulphate processing of ilmenite.
Further optimisation and testwork are being undertaken as Empire develops the proposed processing route.
Empire Evaluates Titanium Pigment and Metal Feedstock Markets
Empire is working with TiPMC Consulting on a marketing strategy focused on supplying coated rutile pigment to the architectural coatings and paint sector.
The company is also evaluating the potential production of high-purity titanium material suitable for use as feedstock for titanium sponge and metal production.
Empire Metals is an exploration and development company whose principal asset is the Pitfield Titanium Project in Western Australia.
Leave a Reply