Mozambique: Montepuez ruby mining intends to invest in second processing plant
Photo courtesy of Kenmare Resurces Mozambique / ( File photo) / Ilmenite in the production store house at Moma, Nampula province.
The Irish company Kenmare Resources, which operates the titanium minerals dredge mine at Moma, in the northern Mozambican province of Nampula, has reported record production levels in the third quarter of 2017.
According to Managing Director Michael Carvill, this keeps “the company on track for the highest ever annual production”. Carvill added that “Chinese demand for ilmenite is improving again, following a slower period in the last couple of months. The zircon market has performed strongly, with further price increases in the second half of 2017”.
The mine produces ilmenite (titanium iron oxide), rutile (titanium dioxide) and zircon (zirconium silicate). Its ilmenite production in the third quarter was 257,500 tonnes, six per cent higher than the same quarter last year. However, zircon production fell by 8 per cent to 18,100 tonnes due to modifications to the production process.
Ilmenite and rutile are used to make white pigments for paints, paper, and plastic. Titanium can be extracted from these ores and used to manufacture metallic parts where light weight and high strength are needed. Zircon is used for abrasive and insulating purposes.
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