IRRRB Announces Ilmenite Breakthrough

New Processing Method Produces Nearly Pure Samples

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials from the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute announced a breakthrough in ilmentite processing Thursday.

NRRI partnered with Canadian firm Process Research Ortech to find a way to separate titanum dioxide and iron oxide from ilmenite deposits.

The results, nearly pure samples of both titanium oxide and iron oxide.  But, officials say they’re a long way from ilmenite mines popping up on the Iron Range.

“What we are doing is demonstrating the technology on a scale that is relevant,” said Rolf Weberg, NRRI Executive Director.  “That’s important, that’s a big first step.  The next step is feasibility and pre–feasibility studies.”

The samples were taken from the “Longnose” deposit near Hoyt Lakes, which is the largest and richest ilmenite
deposit in the United States.  Click here to read the full NRRI report.