Empire Metals Ltd (AIM:EEE) managing director Shaun Bunn talked with Proactive's Tylah Tully about the company’s promising recent metallurgical gravity test results at the Pitfield project in Western Australia. Bunn shared insights into Empire Metals’ advances, explaining that the test work shows they can effectively separate titanium minerals from other elements in the sandstone, which would otherwise increase processing costs. This achievement demonstrates that the company can simplify downstream processing.
The initial diagnostic tests produced a "heavy mineral concentrate," with around 70-80% of titanium recovery, alongside iron minerals that need further separation. “Simple gravity separation is getting rid of the silicates,” Bunn noted, underscoring the progress. Additionally, flotation test results indicate that 78% of titanium-bearing minerals can be concentrated.
Bunn highlighted the efficiency of this separation process, adding that a large demonstration plant may not be necessary. The upcoming steps include developing a cost-effective pilot process and separating the titanium oxide from iron oxides. Bunn also mentioned the potential to create a high-grade iron oxide byproduct, contributing further to the project’s potential. He said the team is “on the cusp of a breakthrough” and could be designing a pilot plant soon.
