Empire Metals Limited has confirmed the presence of high-purity anatase within the weathered cap at the Pitfield Project in Western Australia. The titanium dioxide mineral deposit, enriched with anatase, displays very low impurity levels and high TiO2 grades, making it suitable for high value commercial products such as chloride TiO2 pigment and titanium metal. The mineralogical assessment revealed an abundance of high-quality anatase, containing up to 98.5% TiO2, making it a valuable feedstock for the titanium chloride pigment and titanium metal markets.
This discovery represents a new class of sandstone-hosted titanium deposit, distinct from the traditionally known anatase-rich orebodies, as it contains none of the deleterious elements associated with other titanium deposits. The high-grade anatase-rich ore at Pitfield is easily extractable and responds differently to gangue minerals, suggesting it may require little further beneficiation to produce a high-quality TiO2 concentrate. Metallurgical testwork is underway to confirm the process route and delineate a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate.
Shaun Bunn, Managing Director of Empire Metals, expressed enthusiasm about the discovery, stating that it will have a material and immediate positive impact on the project economics. The weathered cap can be mined using low-cost strip mining methods due to its surficial position and soft, friable nature. Gerry Colamarino, Managing Director of TiPMC Consulting, highlighted the significance of the discovery, emphasizing that anatase potentially represents a novel solution to supply feedstock options for TiO2 pigment manufacture.
The Company's immediate focus is on confirming the process route, delineating a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, and defining potential end products. The discovery of high-purity anatase at Pitfield Project marks a significant step towards the production of high-value TiO2 pigments and titanium metal, positioning Empire Metals as a potential fully integrated "mine to high-quality TiO2 product" project.