Empire Metals (AIM:EEE) has completed an integrated metallurgical processing flowsheet for the Pitfield Titanium Project capable of producing a premium 99%+ TiO2 pigment, with optional production of titanium sponge feedstock and a high‑grade alumina co‑product.
The AIM‑quoted and OTCQX‑traded company says bench-scale testwork produced flotation concentrates above 34% TiO2, rejected more than 90% of unwanted gangue and achieved titanium extraction of up to 98% via an acid bake‑water leach.
Empire argues the flowsheet relies on conventional processing steps and Pitfield's mineralogical advantages to lower acid consumption and leach temperatures, recycle acid through the alumina circuit and produce a much smaller iron residue versus conventional ilmenite sulphate routes.
"The development of a fully integrated processing flowsheet utilising conventional beneficiation, leaching and refining processes to produce a high‑grade (99.25% TiO2) product represents a defining moment in the development of the Pitfield Titanium Project," said Shaun Bunn, Managing Director.
Empire has commissioned Murdoch University's Extractive Metallurgy Hub to develop molten salt electrolysis as a lower‑emission route to titanium metal, with the research programme due for completion by the end of 2026 to demonstrate proof of concept and scale‑up options.
Continuous metallurgical piloting is scheduled to commence in Q3 2026, the company targets product finishing and Ti sponge feedstock work by end Q4 2026 and plans detailed engineering by end Q4 2026 alongside an updated MRE in July/August.
As an external benchmark Empire cites TiPMC Consulting (2026) cost data for conventional rutile pigment production of roughly US$1,300-US$3,300 per tonne, a range it says its flowsheet can compete with.
Nomad S. P. Angel and joint brokers Canaccord Genuity and Zeus Capital are advising the company.
Empire will use the pilot programme to validate scale‑up criteria and produce samples for potential customers and offtake partners.
