Metalysis has demonstrated that it is able to produce titanium powder directly from Iluka’s main high grade titanium feedstock products of rutile.

 

According to Iluka’s Managing Director, David Robb: “Iluka’s involvement as a major shareholder and funding partner provides Iluka shareholders with access to a new, potentially disruptive technology which is close to commercialisation, and the potential benefits of a new source of high grade titanium dioxide feedstock demand, as well as a commercial involvement in a potential new growth pathway for high value metals and alloys and new manufacturing processes such as 3D printing.”

 

Metalysis, Chairman, Tony Pedder, added: “Iluka coming in as a funding partner to Metalysis is an important part of the company’s journey. Iluka’s expertise in titanium dioxide as a feedstock, process engineering experience and access to global markets can make a significant impact on Metalysis’ development. The Metalysis process has applications across metals in the periodic table including: titanium, tantalum and rare earths and with Iluka’s access to titanium dioxide feedstock there is the potential to produce titanium powder with much greater efficiency and at a much lower cost than is currently possible.”

 

Strategic Rationale for Iluka

 

David Robb stated: “Iluka has referred to its willingness to invest counter cyclically and to also explore alliance and new venture opportunities, both in areas adjacent to its main business and also where step out growth options may be available.”

 

“This investment represents an opportunity for Iluka to utilise its understanding of the titanium industry, specifically the high grade and very high grade titanium dioxide feedstock sectors, and its strength in product development, to help bring a potentially game-changing technology to market. This early stage positioning investment is representative of a number of such opportunities Iluka is evaluating.”

 

“Metalysis represents an opportunity to invest in a technology which may have a material impact on the growth of various metals, but particularly titanium metals. The successful commercialisation of the Metalysis process could create significant value, and potentially result in a material increase in demand for Iuka’s high grade chloride feedstocks.”

 

“The technical services and supply agreements will facilitate a close working relationship between Iluka and Metalysis. Specifically Iluka will provide technical support in relation to feedstock product specification options; as well as process engineering and project management expertise during both the feasibility and construction phases of a commercial scale plant.”