The test-work is preliminary and un-optimised and further work is underway to replicate the anticipated Yarrabubba flowsheet, with the expectation that this will further enhance the titanium product.
Technology Metals Australia Ltd (ASX:TMT) (FRA:TN6) has confirmed the viability of recovering titanium during recent test-work for the Yarrabubba Iron-Vanadium Project with concentrates containing up to 48.5% titanium from non-magnetic tails streams.
The titanium head grade in the non-magnetic tails ranges from 20% to 25% across a range of grind sizes, with typically 60% to 80% of the titanium reporting to the +45micron fractions.
Importantly, the work demonstrates that high titanium recovery is possible using standard gravity separation, with dense fractions typically recovering more than 90% of the +45 micron titanium for a total titanium recovery between 54% and 72% from the non-magnetic tails.
“Scope to generate additional revenue”
Managing director Ian Prentice said: “This early test-work has confirmed the potential to produce a high-grade titanium product from the tails at Yarrabubba, providing scope to generate an additional significant revenue stream and maximise the economic benefit of every ore tonne mined at Yarrabubba.
“The separation of the majority of the titanium from the iron–vanadium product is a key differentiator of the Yarrabubba ore body and is a significant contributing factor to the ability to generate the premium Yarrabubba High-Grade Iron-Vanadium product.”
Test-work on seven composite samples
A program of Low Intensity Magnetic Separation (LIMS) test-work completed on seven composite samples from PQ diamond drill holes confirmed the opportunity to produce a high-grade, high-purity iron-vanadium concentrate across all of the mineralised units at Yarrabubba.
The LIMS testing across the seven composites showed clear potential to discriminate between vanadiferous iron phases and titanium-containing phases across the range of grind sizes, indicating potential for a titanium product to be generated from the non-magnetic tails stream.
Further work is underway to investigate and optimise the titanium product generated from the anticipated Yarrabubba flowsheet.
Placement funding secured
TMT has also completed the placement of more than 22.857 million shares to raise $8 million, which will be used to fund activities and development at the rapidly emerging Yarrabubba Iron-Vanadium Project.
Proceeds will also be spent towards progress of environmental approvals at the Gabanintha Vanadium Project and for working capital purposes.
The placement was well supported by new and existing strategic and sophisticated investors and TMT is pleased with the continued support of strategic domestic and international investors, including a further investment by Mr Xu Jinfu, the chairman and major shareholder of Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co Ltd.
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