Ann: 100 per cent Leucoxene extends MEU Titanium discovery West, page-7

Leucoxene and Titanium Extraction
1. Composition:

• Leucoxene is primarily composed of altered ilmenite (FeTiO₃ and is often rich in titanium dioxide (TiO₂.

2. Source of Titanium:

• Due to its high titanium content, leucoxene is an important source for titanium extraction, containing up to 90% TiO₂.

3. Processing:

• The extraction process typically involves converting leucoxene into titanium dioxide through various methods, including chemical processing and smelting. This can yield titanium pigment or metallic titanium.

4. Advantages:

• Higher Purity: Leucoxene can yield titanium products with higher purity compared to other titanium ores.
• Lower Impurities: The presence of fewer impurities in leucoxene makes it easier to process and refine.

5. Applications:

• The titanium extracted from leucoxene is used in various applications, including aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and pigments.

Mines Extracting Leucoxene
Several mines around the world are known for extracting leucoxene and other titanium-bearing minerals:

1. Iluka Resources:
   • Location: Australia
   • Mines: Iluka operates several mineral sands mines, including the Jacinth-Ambrosia mine, which extracts leucoxene along with zircon and ilmenite.
2. Sierra Rutile:
   • Location: Sierra Leone
   • Mines: The Sierra Rutile mine produces rutile and leucoxene, contributing to the titanium supply.
3. Kenmare Resources:
   • Location: Mozambique
   • Mines: The Moma Titanium Minerals Mine extracts ilmenite, rutile, and leucoxene from heavy mineral sands.
4. Tronox:
   • Location: South Africa and Australia
   • Mines: Tronox operates several mines that extract titanium minerals, including leucoxene, from heavy mineral sands.

Conclusion
Leucoxene is a valuable mineral for titanium extraction, known for its high titanium content and ease of processing. Several mines worldwide, including those operated by Iluka, Sierra Rutile, Kenmare, and Tronox, are involved in extracting leucoxene and other titanium-bearing minerals.