Technology Metals Australia Limited, a vanadium developer, has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India-based Tata Steel Limited pertaining to the offtake of vanadium pentoxide and other downstream vanadium products.

The Australian company is working towards the development of the Murchison Technology Metals Project (MTMP) in Western Australia, which is expected to yield high purity vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). Besides, Technology Metals Australia is said to be studying opportunities to foray into the downstream area through the production of vanadium electrolyte, ferrovanadium (FeV), and vanadium nitride (VN) among others.

Ian Prentice — Technology Metals Australia Managing Director said: “TMT is very excited to be partnering with Tata Steel, one of the world’s largest steelmakers, as well as furthering Australia’s important trade relationship with India. High purity vanadium pentoxide from the MTMP is important in producing lower emission ferrovanadium and vanadium nitride, which Tata Steel utilises in its steelmaking process.

“Together, TMT and Tata Steel can play an important part in reducing emissions in steel applications as the world progresses towards net zero carbon emissions.”

According to Technology Metals Australia, ferrovanadium and vanadium nitride are employed in the steel alloying process in Tata Steel’s facilities to enhance strength and wear resistance.

Technology Metals Australia and Tata Steel will also study downstream technical collaboration with a scope for the co-development of
ferrovanadium production facilities in Western Australia as well as in India. Discussions between the parties will also cover possible investment by Tata Steel into Technology Metals Australia and /or the Murchison Technology Metals Project, which is targeting vanadium production of around 12,500 tonnes per annum of V2O5 over an initial mine life of 25 years.

Rajiv Mukerji — Tata Steel Vice President Group of Strategic Procurement said: “Vanadium is a key component in Tata Steel’s steelmaking process to increase strength and reduce weight, and as our customers increasingly look to reduce their carbon emissions, we anticipate demand for these products to grow.

“Working with Technology Metals Australia Limited on opportunities surrounding primary vanadium and ferrovanadium production aligns with Tata Steel’s strategy to ensure reliable, stable supplies of raw materials to meet our customers’ future product requirements.“

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