Empire Metals Limited has released preliminary results from mineralogical and metallurgical studies on the high-grade titanium discovery at the Pitfield Project in Western Australia. The study shows favorable mineralogy and metallurgy in the high-grade titanium samples, resulting in a relatively simple processing flowsheet and highly concentrated end product. Titanite, the most abundant Ti-bearing mineral, accounts for approximately 67% of the total contained TiO2 and is amenable to a simple low-temperature acid leaching process. The final product is expected to have a very high TiO₂ concentration, making it a highly desirable feedstock for a titanium dioxide pigment producer.
The price range for rutile, based on Q4 2023 market supply and demand forecasts, reflects a tightening of the supply chain despite increasing demand over the next decade. Additionally, there is an opportunity to further refine the TiO2 product and make a very high-value pigment-quality product on-site for sale directly to end users for use in the manufacture of paints and coatings, plastics, and paper.
Shaun Bunn, Managing Director, expressed delight at the results, emphasizing the extraordinary mineralogical nature of the titanium-rich mineral system and the unique, favorable metallurgical characteristics. He highlighted the potential for Empire to become a major supplier of 'rutile equivalent products' or a significant TiO2 pigment producer. The Pitfield Project is located in one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world, with existing connections to major infrastructure, making it an attractive prospect for development.
The project lies within the Mid-West region of Western Australia, known for its mining-friendly policies, stable government, transparency, and advanced technology expertise. Pitfield has existing connections to port, HV power substations, and is nearby to natural gas pipelines as well as a green energy hydrogen fuel hub, which is under planning and development. The project lies in a unique geological setting along the western boundary of the Yilgarn Craton, within the Yandanooka Basin, near the junction of two major structures, the Darling Fault and Yandanooka-Cape Riche Lineament, which are likely responsible for the titanite mineralization event.
Empire Metals completed a maiden 21-hole Reverse Circulation ('RC') drill program in April 2023, resulting in the discovery of titanium-rich mineralization within the hydrothermally altered sediments. The company is now ready to execute and expedite the next phase of project development, bolstering the team with highly talented and experienced titanium industry professionals. Further updates on the process development phase are expected in the coming months.