Titan Mining's Future Is Bright: A New Era for Graphite Production
Titan Mining's Innovative Approach to Graphite Production
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Titan Mining Corporation (TSX: TI) (“Titan” or the "Company") is excited to report promising advancements in its Kilbourne graphite project. With recently released Phase III metallurgy results performed at SGS Lakefield, Titan is also laying out plans for a dedicated processing facility that will revolutionize the way graphite is produced in the U.S.
The Vision for Kilbourne Graphite Processing Facility
This facility is going to be strategically established at the Empire State Mines, where Titan's existing zinc operations are located. The main goal is to fast-track the development of Kilbourne, aiming to make the Empire State Mines the very first end-to-end producer of natural flake graphite in the United States since the 1950s.
Key Highlights from the Phase III Metallurgy Results
The results provide several noteworthy insights into the graphite extraction process:
- Optimized Process: The optimization program has confirmed favorable characteristics of Kilbourne material, exhibiting low impurities and impressive recovery rates, with a final concentrate of 98.8% C(t).
- Simplification of Processes: A streamlined process sheet was created that could synergize with the existing mill circuit at ESM, enhancing efficiency.
- Flake Size Distribution: Size fraction analysis reveals a positive flake size distribution, capable of meeting U.S. domestic demand and producing value-added products.
- Production Capacity Potential: Engineering for the facility is nearing completion, targeting an initial production rate of 1,000-1,200 tons per annum, with expansion capabilities up to 40,000 tons per annum.
- Infrastructure Leverage: Titan's strategic advantage lies in leveraging existing infrastructure and workforce, which lowers overall capital and operating costs.
- Application Scope: Identified applications for Kilbourne graphite span from high-tech industries such as semiconductors and military-grade materials to consumer products like lubricants and coatings.
Comments from Titan's Leadership
CEO Don Taylor shared his optimism about the Phase III results, noting that "we are pleased with the test results demonstrating potential closed-circuit recoveries exceeding 90%, alongside a high-grade concentrate product from Kilbourne." He emphasized the project's substantial resource expansion potential to support U.S. needs for natural flake graphite in the years to come.
President Rita Adiani also highlighted the importance of these results, stating: “This data will guide us as we initiate scoping out pricing and engaging with potential U.S. customers for Kilbourne graphite. The Facility represents our first step toward making ESM a leading producer in the United States, ensuring supply chain resilience for critical industries that currently depend on imports.”
Technical Aspects of the Project
The recently completed optimization program involved an extensive review of samples from 118 mineralized intervals. These samples were subsequently analyzed to establish a master composite for the optimization process.
The overall grade, along with graphitic head grade for various composites tested, indicates low concentrations of organic and carbonate carbon. For instance, the master composite yielded total carbon grades and graphitic carbon grades that affirm the quality of the Kilbourne deposit.
Strategic Operational Goals
Titan is currently keen on ensuring that the upcoming facility meets several strategic operational objectives, including:
- Product Qualification: Continuous production of graphite concentrate will facilitate the qualification process across diverse industry segments.
- Pathway to Commercialization: The facility will pave the way for establishing customer demand and pricing thresholds, aiming for eventual modular expansion targets.
The Market for Natural Flake Graphite
Assessments indicate the global market for natural flake graphite in sectors Titan is targeting is around 1.7 million tons annually. ESM's strategic positioning makes it well-suited to meet this demand, potentially achieving an operating margin of 40-45% for its planned production levels.
The projected cost for equipment and installation is estimated between $6.0 to $7.5 million, with Titan actively pursuing various funding avenues to support this initiative.
Key Applications and Future Developments
The applications for natural flake graphite span multiple industries. Titan plans to introduce several product timelines, focusing on micronized standard purity products to enhance qualifications and boost revenue streams. Future high-purity products are expected to command premium pricing, focusing on markets utilizing batteries, medical devices, and other specialized applications.
As Titan Mining Corporation (Other OTC: TIMCF) continues to make strides with the Kilbourne graphite project, they are poised to secure a prominent role in redefining the domestic graphite supply chain, paving the way for technological and economic advancements in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new graphite processing facility?
The facility aims to process Kilbourne natural graphite, making Titan Mining the first end-to-end producer of this material in the U.S. since the 1950s.
What are the expected production rates at the new facility?
Initially, the facility aims to produce 1,000-1,200 tons of concentrate annually, with potential modular expansions to 40,000 tons per year.
What advantages does Titan have with the processing facility's location?
The facility will be co-located with existing operations at Empire State Mines, allowing Titan to leverage current infrastructure and workforce.
How does the company plan to approach product qualification?
Continuous production will facilitate product qualification across various industries, enabling Titan to engage with potential customers effectively.
What are some key applications for the produced graphite?
Applications range from semiconductors, military specification products, to lubricants, plastics, and energy storage solutions.
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