GM 02217 COMMERCIAL UTILIZATION OF IVRY-NORD rl.l.TAillUK DEVLP. CO.

COMMERCIAL UTILIZATION OF IVRY-NORD ILMENITE

Prepared for: Development Corp,-, Montreal, Quebec.

Prepared by: Horizons Incor h Cleveland, Ghi QUEBEC DEPARTMENT OF MINES

Written by: Dr. Eugene • Wai r MAR ~ ~ i Director of Res arch{-~ ~~~ MINERAL B..'::.:tc ,.. I Date: January 26, 19 No kl.;2 /7 INTRODUCTION The problem presented for consideration is the recommendation of means for economic and efficient utilization of the ilmenite-hematite deposit at Ivry presently controlled by the Titanium Development Corporation of Montreal, Canada. Plans have been worked out based on the philosophy of obtaining the largest dollar value possible per unit of titanium, such as to insure operation of the Ivry deposit for commercial purposes for an indefinite period. In accordance with a magnetometer survey conducted by the Geo-Technical Development Company and a diamond drilling program which has been in progress for several months and interpreted by Atwell J. Hough, Mining Geologist, the mining property at Ivry is alleged to contain at least three million tons of an ilmenite-hematite ore averaging 28 to 30% TiO2. The ore consists of roughly 60% ilmenite, 30ô hematite, and 10ô of gangue materials. In general, the recommendations given are based on such considerations as capitalization costs, tonnage possible in the equipment suggested, reasonable estimates of possible markets, gross profit, and a continuing development of the company after the initial operating units are established and are operating on an economical basis. SUMMARY

Two ultimate plans of procedure are suggested. Each of these plans involves an initial capitalization expenditure of roughly $700,000.00 and each is designed to yield an annual gross profit in the region of $350,000.00 to $400,000.00, if the recommended plant is operated substantially at full product- ion. In each case, the productivity of the p:^oducing units can be doubled approximately by a 50% increase in capitalization costs. it COPY -2- The first plan is based on upgrading the products of the mine initially by physical means. This will involve crushing and beneficiation through a combination of electrostatic, electromagnetic, and gravity techniques. The fact that such upgrading is possible up to an ilmenite or TiO2 tenor suitable for direct commercial use has been established in the laboratory. The second plan is based on chemical beneficiation of the product of the mine directly after crushing and milling. A brief description of both techniques will be given in the body of this report. Following Plan 1, the iron in the deposit will end up as ferric chloride; following Plan 2, the iron in the deposit will end up as powdered iron or sponge iron. Except for these differences, the products recommended for commercial utilization as obtained by chemical treatment of the ilmenite raw material may be listed as follows: welding rod constituents such as titanium dioxide and various , the complex alkali titanium silicates for enamel and glass use, the fine chemicals potassium titanium oxalate and potassium titanium fluoride, and finally, the thermite alloys of titanium for use in steel and non-ferrous industries. A substantial tonnage of vanadium pentoxide appears feasible for production, but considerable research isneeded before the question as to the economic extraction of this aluable chemical can be answered. The decision as to whether Plan 1 involving physical beneficiation of the ore or Plan 2 involving chemical beneficiation of the ore is followed will depend entirely on a single factor. Expansion of the crusing and beneficiation stages as indicated in Plan 1 will permit the production of a commercial grade of ilmenite which can be sold in this condition directly to other consumers of the ore, particularly pigment manufacturers. A large potential usage exists. If it is decided that sale of ilmenite concentrates to other consumers is not advisable for the indefinite future, then it is recommended that the operation in accordance with Plan 2, based entirely on chemical treatment of ilmenite, be instituted. In order to provide the production requirements, six separate capital units are recommended which may be listed as follows: 1. In the case of Plan 1, mining and beneficiation for the production of ilmenite and hematite concentrates. In the case of Plan 2, mining and milling equipment only. 2. In the case of Plan 1, crude titanium extraction leading to the production of titanium dioxide and ferric chloride. In the case of

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Plan 2, crude titanium oxide extraction leading to the production of a high grade titanium dioxide and powdered metallic iron. 3. In the case of both plans, a unit for the product- ion of welding rod components consisting chiefly of calciners and grinders. 4. In the case of both plans, a chemical plant for the production of fine titanium chemicals. 5.In the case of both plans, a thermite unit for the production of ferro alloys of titanium. 6. Again in the case of both plans, the provisions for a pilot unit and laboratory for control and development of the products being manufactured and sold. DISCUSSION In examining the figures included in both plans, it should be pointed out that all costs include amortization, overhead, depreciation, general and administration costs, and production and sales expense. Outside engineering fees are not included. The gross profit is calculated before taxes and the prices indicated for the consumer are the present F.O.B. carload prices prevailing in the United States. Plan No. 1 Mechanical Beneficiation ESTIMATED PLANT COST: Crushing and Beneficiation Titanium Dioxide Ferric Chloride Unit Welding Rod Unit Chemical Plant for Fine Titanium Chemicals 100 Thermite Unit 65,000. Pilot Unit and Laboratory 65,000. Contingencies 1251000. TOTAL 700,000. 4 z4. ~: ~ co y

PRODUCTS: Unit Gross Product Tonnage Selling Selling Gross` Price Price Profit Ilmenite Concentrate 5000 tons in plant Hematite Concentrate 2270 tons $ 6./ton $ 13,620. $ 9,080. 95% TiO2 1000 tons $ 2400/ton $ 240,000. $90,000. Potassium 100 tons $ 260./ton $ 26,000. $ 7=000. Sodium Titanate 200 tons $ 2200/ton $ 44,0009 $15,0000 ~ Titanate 300 tons $ 200./ton $ ' 60,000. $ 20, 000. Sodium Titanium Silicate 100 tons $ 1600/ton $ 16,0000 $ 7,000. Potassium Titanium 200 tons $ 700./ton $ 140,000. $45,000. Fluoride Potassium Titanium Oxalate. 50 tons $1700./ton $ 85,000. $30,000. 40% Ferro-Titanium 100 tons $1000./ton $ 100,000. $35,000, 70% Aluminum..Titanium 25 tons $3500./ton $ 87,500. $30,000. 50% Manganese-Titanium 10 tons $2000./ton $ 20,000. $ 6,000. 50% Nickel-Titanium 15 tons $2500./ton $ 37,500. $12,000. Ferric Chloride 4000 tons $ 80./ton $ 320,000. $80,000,

Vanadium Pentoxide 100 tons $25000/ton $ 250,000. ' $ $1,439,620. $386,080.

Plan No. 2 Chemical Beneficiation ESTIMATED PLANT COST: Mining, crusing, and milling $ 50,000. Titanium Dioxide -- Sponge Iron Unit 175, 000. Welding Rod Unit 75,000. Chemical Plant for Fine Titanium Chemicals 100,000. Thermite Unit 65,000. Pilot Unit and Laboratory 65,000. Contingencies and Working Capital $12/9000‘ ô®~

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PRODUCTS Unite Gross Selling Selling Gross Ezoduct Tonnage Price Price Profit Ilmenite Concentrqte 5000 tons in plant Powdered Iron 2925 tons $ 120./ton $351,000. $100,000.' 95% TiO2 1000 tons $ 240 /ton $240,000. $ 909000. Potassium Titanate 100 tons $ 260./ton $ 26,000. $ 7,000. Sodium Titanate 200 tons $ 220o/ton $ 44,000. $ 15,000. Calcium Titanate 300 tons $ 200./ton $ 60,000. $ 20,000. Sodium Titanate Silicate 100 tons $ 160./ton $ 16,000. $ 7,000. Potassium Titanium Fluoride 200 tons $`* 700./ton $11+0,000. $ 45,000. Potassium Titanium Oxalate 50 tons $1700,/ton $ 85,000. $ 30,000. 40% Ferro-Titanium 100 tons $1000./ton $100,000. $ 35,000. 70% Aluminum-Titanium 25 tons $3500./ton. $ 87 500. $ 30, 000. 50% Manganese-Titanium 10 tons $ 2000./ton $ 20i000. $ 6,000.`. 50% Nickel-Titanium 15 tons $2500./ton $ 37,500. $ 12, 000. Vanadium Pentoxide 100 tons $2500./ton 1250,000, $ $1,457,000. $397,000.

As indicated in the initial portions of this report, two possibilities: exist for treatment of the original ore. The first possibility consists of upgrading of the ilmenite deposit to .a TiO2 content so that not only is the subsequent chemical treatment made more econo- mical as a result of a lower burden of iron content, but also for the purpose of making this upgraded ilmenite available for sale directly to users of this mineral for pigment purposes. The second possibility involves chemical treatment only without any inter- vening upgrading. The choice as to which plan is placed into operation is determined on whether or not.the business of supplying ilmenite concentrates to other consumers is considered advisable. ç~.~....N. COPY

The beneficiation technique inherent in Plan 1 involves the following general steps: the ore is taken from the mine and crushed and sized into a range between 60 and 100 mesh. The ore is then separated and concentrated :-using equipment based on electrostatic, elextromagnetic, and gravity principles. For every 10,000 tons of ore, between 5000 and 6000 tons of ilmenite concentrates assaying between 45 and 50% Ti0 , will be obtained and between 2250 tons and 2500 tons of hematitei concentrate assaying between 65 and 70% iron will also be obtained. The balance of the original burden will be discarded. The ilmenite concentrate may be used as raw material feed to the chemical plant or may be sold in the beneficiated condition to other consumers as a raw material for the manufacture of titanium pigment products. The hematite concentrates may be sold to manufacturers of iron and steel as blast furnace or open hearth feed. Plan 2 eliminates the necessity for upgrading entirely. In this case, the ore as taken directly from the mine is crushed and milled to a fine particle size. It is then mixed with a minor amount of soda ash and carbon, and sintered in a rotary kiln at approximately 1000°C. The sinter is crus'ied and separated magnetically, first in the dry condition and then followed by various wet clean-up stages. The crude products thus obtained consist chiefly of a crude titania containing approximately 85% TiO2 and a fairly impure iron powder. The crude titania is transformed into a product containing in excess of 95% titanium dioxide by treatment with weak sulfuric adid. The titanium containing product is filtered from soluble impurities and then falcined, in which condition it is suitable either for direct sale or as a raw material for the other products listed in the plan. The crude powdered iron product may find sale directly in the condi- tion in which it is derived from the step just described or it may be further purified by a second reducing treatment with osrbon followed by grinding. For the operation on the scale indicated in the degree of capitalization recommended, it is believed advisable to initiate operations based on plan 20 A brief description of some of the applications of the chemicals listed for production may be given. One of the major uses, for impure grades of titanium dioxide containing 90 to 97% TiO2 is as a major constituent for flux coated welding rods. Other titanium products used in this industry are the titanates of sodium, potassium, and calcium. The world market for titanium dioxide in this application is of the order of 50,000 tons annually, and the major raw material for this type of titanium dioxide is the mineral . The world supply of rutile is limited and a further important restricting influence is the fact that a large portion of the field of titanium metallurgy is based on the use of natural rutile to the extent that the price of rutile has now skyrocketed. In general, • chemically treated grades of titanium dioxide are in certain respects superior to natural rutile for welding rod purposes and at the price COPY - 7- level indicated in the plans suggested herein, a large potential usage is considered feasible. Certain complex compounds of titanium are presently used in the preparation of acid proff enamels, acid resistant gasses, and in the glass field generally. The most important of these compounds is the chemical, sodium titanium silicate. In such fields, its primary function is the development of acid resistance and melt fluidity. It may be used as g substitute for borax or boron compounds in such glass compositions. Depending on which plan is chosen, the iron in the original deposit will end up as powdered iron or as ferric chloride. Powdered iron is probably the most important raw material used in the general field of powder metallurgy. The price listed in the plan is that applied to the lowest grade of powdered iron. Better grades are sold at prices a factor of 2 to 3 times that listed. A market of several tens of thousands of tons per year for a good grade of powdered iron now exists in this field of metallurgy. The ma.or application for ferric chloride is in the sewage disposal field and a rapidly growing demand exists. Potassium titanium oxalate is a fine chemical used in the textile industry for dyeing and mordanting operations, and in the lather industry as a tanning aid and dye striker. Potassium titanium fluoride is used as a flux constituent for the treatment of non-ferrous alloys such as aluminum and magnesium. A major recent development in connection with potassium titanium fluoride is in connection with the treatment of stainless steels and this application is growing rapidly. Other compound;: of titanium in this class are used for the development of particular finishes for textiles, as mildew proofing agents, dye strikers, color discharge agents, and certain pharmaceuticals. The thermite alloys of titanium are used as addition agents for steels and special metals, particularly stainless steels. The Icry deposit contains a sugstantial amount of vanadium oxide and its recovery is warranted If an economic method of processing is available. Such a method of recogery is more readily obtained in accordance with the procedures listed in plan 2 than in plan 1. CBNCL TSION The basis for the recommendations given in the various plans is that the markets for the chemicals and products listed are reasonably well established, the amount of research and development is expected to be nominal, and the major effort involved will be that of production and sales. The units of production recommended are based primarily on high valued titanium compounds in which the potential for the future is large. The processing and.process steps needed to- make the chemicals and products listed in' these various plans ar e well known. (SIGNED) Eugene Wainer /ess Director of Research HORIZONS INCORPORATED Cleveland Ohio January 26, 1953 CrY' LI COPY TITANIUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NO Personal Liability Suite 502-503, Castle Building, 1410 Stanley Street,. Montreal, P.Q.

The two month scientific research on the treat- ment of the Companyt3 ore was successfully completed in the United States. The units of production recommended are based primarily on high valued titanium compounds in which the potential for the future is large. For instance, the chemically treated grades of titanium dioxide are in certain respects superior to natural rutile. And because the world supply of rutile is limited and its uses are increasing all the time, the price of this product is skyrocketing. The production of these ninety-five per cent titanium dioxide concentrates is planned at the rate of a thousand tons per year' with selling price standing at $240,000.00 This is one of the dozen products to be mantifadtured at the proposed $700,000.00 chemical ,plant in Montreal. In time, when prices on lead and zinc are decreased substantially, the price of rutile, guaranteed minimum 9)4 concentrates, was doubled during 1952, according to February issue of Engineering and Mining Journal of New York.