As the world enters the next financial era following the global economic crisis and project funding becomes more difficult, investors are seeking to minimise risk during both the initiation of new projects as well as the expansion of existing operations.

TZMI’s extensive practical experience in assessing and analysing  mineral sands resources enables a “fast track” review of potential projects. This includes formulation of a production and cost competitiveness model which can be used to benchmark the resource against existing mineral sands operations. The financial model of the proposed mineral sands operation can also be used to provide detail on the capital and operating costs associated with the mining of a new deposit or the expansion of an existing mining operation. Optimisation of the mine plan allows for the maximization of project potential with the output of the assessment used to optimize project returns and establish strategic direction.

TZMI recognises the industry’s unique sampling and analytical techniques that are required to address JORC-compliant resource assessments and several directors are “competent persons” for the purpose of resource evaluation statements. TZMI has also provided overviews of ilmenite, rutile and zircon resources to clients.

TZMI prepares long term projections of supply, demand and price. For a particular client TZMI’s will provide a focused market assessment using a detailed analysis of the final product quality and marketability.

Case Studies

A major diversified corporation requested TZMI to assess a number of titanium mineral deposits for their potential to support a major feedstock producing operation, including the beneficiation of ilmenite. Using the available data, and applying cost criteria based on similar, existing operations, TZMI assessed the potential quality of products from each deposit and the associated costs of production, leading to a recommendation of the deposit with the greatest potential to support a major, competitive operation. As a result, the company applied for leases, which have subsequently been granted and feasibility studies are underway.

A major Asian consumer of mineral sands products commissioned TZMI to review feasibility studies for a start-up project in Australia. One result was a change in the method for determining the recoverable product content in ore samples. This resulted in a re-cast of the project financials, and a change in mining concept.