Empire Metals Limited unveils major titanium dioxide discovery at Pitfield Project, Western Australia

Empire Metals Limited (LON: EEE), an AIM-quoted resource exploration and development company, has announced a breakthrough in its Pitfield Project located in Western Australia. The discovery of a significant deposit of titanium dioxide minerals, comprising mainly rutile and anatase, within the near-surface “saprolite” zone marks a pivotal development in the project’s economic prospects.

Discovery Details and Immediate Impacts

The newly identified deposit spans a substantial 40km length of titanium-rich mineral system and lies within a highly weathered layer of bedrock, enhancing the accessibility and potential yield of valuable titanium dioxide. “This is a game-changing development for Empire and one which is expected to accelerate timescales and further enhance the economics of Pitfield,” stated Shaun Bunn, Managing Director of Empire Metals Limited.

Rutile and anatase, the minerals discovered, are highly sought after in the titanium pigment and metal markets due to their high titanium dioxide content (over 95% TiO2). This discovery not only adds immediate value to the project but also simplifies the mining and processing due to the soft, friable nature of the weathered cap where these minerals are concentrated.

Strategic and Economic Benefits

This discovery could potentially reshape Empire Metals’ development strategy. The company is now considering a staged development plan, starting with the extraction of the surface saprolite deposits, which are rich in titanium dioxide minerals and relatively easier and cheaper to mine. This approach would allow the company to generate revenue while continuing to explore and develop the deeper, titanite-rich bedrock deposits.

The mineralogical assessments indicate that these surface deposits could significantly reduce the initial capital and operational costs due to the minimal overburden and the soft nature of the saprolite. The extensive area covered by the high-grade weathered cap suggests a potential for large-scale production over several years, even before tapping into the primary bedrock deposits.

Ongoing Studies and Future Prospects

Empire Metals has conducted extensive drilling, including 67 reverse circulation (RC) drillholes and six diamond core drillholes, to define the extent and grade of this deposit. Preliminary results from these studies highlight the dominant presence of rutile and anatase at the expense of the originally more abundant titanite due to natural weathering processes.

The company’s ongoing metallurgical and mineralogical studies aim to provide a deeper understanding of the mineral assemblage and the processing characteristics of the ores. These studies are crucial for the company’s ambition to establish a fully integrated mine-to-market operation at Pitfield, which would encompass mining, processing, and refining of high-quality titanium dioxide products.

Location and Infrastructure

Situated near the northern wheatbelt town of Three Springs, Pitfield benefits from its proximity to infrastructure critical for mining operations, including connections to port facilities, high voltage power substations, and natural gas pipelines. Additionally, a green energy hydrogen fuel hub is under planning and development in the region, potentially providing sustainable energy solutions for the mining operations.

The strategic discovery at the Pitfield Project represents a significant milestone for Empire Metals and the broader mining industry in Western Australia. By leveraging the natural processes that have enriched the surface layers with high-value minerals, Empire Metals is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity with potentially lower environmental impact and cost.