They didn't name the process they would be using. They only said it was similar to one already in use. Roasting and magnetic seperation is part of the apg process.
Here is apg's latest update on the bmx testwork released a week ago.
GINKGO TESTWORK CONTINUES
During the quarter a series of ilmenite concentrates from the Ginkgo deposit in NSW were batch roasted at Austpac's Kooragang Island pilot plant. This objective of this work, which is being undertaken for and funded by BeMaX Resources NL on behalf of the BIP Joint Venture, is to maximise chrome removal from Ginkgo secondary ilmenite concentrate and develop the most cost efficient design for the separation plant.
The batch testwork was conducted to establish the conditions that gave the optimal titanium recovery at a market-driven chrome cut-off. BeMaX's preferred coal was used as the fuel for these batch roasts. The results have been used to establish the roast regime for the definitive continuous roasting trial planned for August 2002. A 1.5 tonne representative sample of ilmenite concentrate from Ginkgo has been prepared by Roche Mining (MT) and delivered to Austpac's Newcastle pilot plant. Modifications and additions to the roasting equipment are nearing completion in readiness for this trial.
The definitive roasting trial run will determine the specific operating conditions essential for final plant design. During the trial, roaster off-gas will be continuously monitored to collect data necessary to confirm that the plant will meet the air quality requirements, as described in the development consent for the mineral separation plant.
Austpac is participating in a consortium led by Ausenco Limited, which is providing the detailed engineering design and will provide the commissioning support and performance guarantees for the roasting and magnetic separation plant. The data from the continuous roasting trial will enable Ausenco to complete the roaster equipment selection, layout and design, and operating and capital costs. ------------------------------------------------------
It would have been nice of BMX to actually name the process they will be using.
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