TiO2 feedstocks turn a corner

• Autores: Kasia Patel, Cameron Perks
• Localización: Industrial Minerals, ISSN 0019-8544, Nº. 591, 2017 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Marzo)
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Zircon is primarily used in the production of ceramic tiles, in addition to refractories and speciality applications in the form of zirconia and zirconium chemicals for use in end markets such as nuclear fuel rods, catalytic converters and water purification systems. According to US Geological Survey (USGS) figures, 2015 production (2016 figures were not yet available at time of publication) reflected reserve locations, with Australia leading output at 500,000 tonnes, followed by South Africa with 380,000 tonnes. While Iluka has concluded mining in the Murray Basin, located in the Eastern half of Australia, its concentrate stockpiles continue to be the company's primary source of rutile. Because of this, the company's rutile production prices from India, and India's largest producer, V.V. Mineral confirmed its ilmenite prices were increasing in line with global price rises. Rather, the biggest challenges to Indian producers lie in unfavourable government policies, he said, pointing to the recently imposed export duty of 10% for ilmenite according to the Atomic Mineral Concession Rule (AMCR) and the discontinued anti-dumping duty for TiO2 pigment. According to financial advisor Hannam &Partners LLP, more financial funds could invest in mineral sands mining projects as the sector outperformed other commodities towards the end of 2016. According to Hofmaier, shareholder return from the top five mineral sands producers - Iluka, Tronox, Kenmare Resources and Sierra Rutile - increased by 54%, compared with the 38% increase in copper returns.