Empire Metals Ltd (AIM:EEE) managing director Shaun Bunn joined Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with news of a significant discovery of rutile and anatase deposits at the Pitfield project in Western Australia.
Bunn highlighted the significance of these minerals, which are rich in titanium dioxide (TiO2) and highly sought after for their use in high-end applications such as chloride pigment production, titanium metal production, and welding rod tips. He emphasised the scarcity of large natural deposits of these minerals and the increasing demand, which places Empire Metals in a favourable position.
Bunn described the discovery as an oxidised mineral cap found in weathered sandstones near the surface, making it easy to mine and process. The rutile and anatase deposits do not require extensive beneficiation, as they are nearly 95% pure TiO2, simplifying the processing to a final product. He noted that while rutile and anatase are easier to process, titanite also remains in their focus for development, requiring slightly more downstream processing.
The discovery accelerates the company's development strategy, providing an opportunity for a dual development process. Bunn mentioned that the company would focus on refining the high-quality TiO2 mineral product to a final pigment-grade product. Additionally, he said this new discovery changes the project's economics and dynamics, offering a straightforward processing flow and high-value product potential.
