From their comment on the APG fixing the problems with normal syn rutile production I would guess Snowstorm doesn't answer the iron co-product problem nor the use of low grade feed. It says it is a technical success but they are re-assessing the economics. Boffin talk for it works but cost too much even though it had improved capital and operating costs (compared to slag and sulphate routes I would guess).
Notice the slides goes straight from this to Austpac. My educated guess is that they would use the Austpac ERMS to take the illmenite up to 98% and then go straight to this process to finish it off to pure TiO2. I would hazard a guess there is a sample of ERMS syn rutile being put through it's paces in Snowstorm if not now then very soon.
Cheers
Seik
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