Below is 2019 DFS, but still shows roughly 50:50 split between...

Below is 2019 DFS, but still shows roughly 50:50 split between ilmenite vs non-mag HMC (approx ZIC with minimal premium zirc processing). Two 6000t ilmenite ships booked during Sep Qtr, but first non-mags ZIC ship booked after ~4 months production and 15kt. Assume they were holding back ZIC to keep running through MSP trying to extract premium or at least standard zircon...


Just looked back over some old reports for commentary on zircon quality. Below from 2010 DFS discussing using antirationing to reduce clay and iron ox coatings to improve zircon quality, and the relationship between recoveries to premium product vs product quality and price etc. (working with left hand only after major right hand operation, mouse and typing issues sorry). Para"3" bottom from 2008 release... clearly zircon quality has long been an issue, one I wasn't aware of...




Of interest in the 2008 release (18th April) is discussion around the EWast Dune ore body STA is currently focussed on (high grading) to try and make bank. Lowest strip by a long way, represents half the 2010 higher-grade mine reserve from back in 2008 (300Mt @ 1.2% vs 525Mt @ 1.1%)