Mineralogy4 Dec 2023 12:46
Lovehandles does have point here, though he may be irritating!
There is a big difference between ilmenite and rutile. Ilmenite can be converted to a 80/85% purity by roasting (expensive and carbon unfriendly). Pure rutile after DMS is 90/95% purity without any roasting
rutile sells at nearly $2000
ilmenite $395
so the maths is 1% rutile is 7/8% ilmenite equivalent and the rutile has loads more carbon credits which is v important for off takers.
Empire has a huge 'looking' resource but we don't know the ilmenite/rutile mix or how/if it is easy to get out of the host rock. These met tests will be key. We won't get them till next year. in the mean time we will continue to get lots of sexy looking drill holes and the price will ride up on the hype. I own but I won't be hanging around for the met test reality.
If you are interested in comparatives look up
Sierra rutile (used to be listed in London) has rutile but only 3 years of supply left
Iluka is worth a look, Kenmare has a big and mixed operation. Bluejay and Greenroc, sands in Greenland (ilmenite and problematic).
The standout rutile play which also has a huge graphite resource is Sovereign Metals. Just done a PFS and RIO has farmed in , financed and is driving optimisation and a DFS.
I owned Kenmare years ago, also owned Bluejay and Greenroc at one stage. I own Empire but the standout play, which I own for the long haul, is Sovereign metals.
Always good to compare and contrast. Titanium and graphite are complicated, the metallurgy is key for any long term buyers.