SAGA begins further processing tests on Labrador ore

[SMM Titanium Flash] Tusker Minerals reported on 30 September that follow-up sampling at its Mzimba project in northern Malawi had changed its geological interpretation. Magnetic titanium exceeded calculated rutile-equivalent in 112 of 149 regional soil samples, pointing to an ilmenite-dominant system with localised rutile. Thirty-three shallow pit-channel samples did not show high-grade rutile persisting with depth. Tusker said the results do not support an immediate rutile-focused drilling programme on the Phase 1 anomalies. The result weakens the specific premium-rutile exploration case suggested by earlier selected samples. It does not establish a mineral resource or show that ilmenite could be mined profitably. Tusker will reassess its geological model before deciding on further Mzimba work; its near-term capital and technical focus remains on Cameroon. The mineral mix and grade continuity still need to be established before the project’s feedstock potential can be assessed.

[SMM Titanium Flash] More than 6,500 people in Madagascar have filed a claim in London’s High Court against Rio Tinto over alleged contamination linked to its QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) ilmenite operation, Reuters reported on 30 September. The claimants, represented by Leigh Day, allege wastewater exposed communities to lead and uranium and seek compensation and remedial orders. Rio Tinto said it had been notified but had not received the claim documents. It said its water monitoring found uranium samples below detection limits and most lead samples below detection limits. QMM produces ilmenite for the titanium dioxide supply chain. The case places water management and community relations at a major African mineral sands operation under renewed scrutiny. The allegations remain unproven, and the filing itself does not establish any change in QMM production.

[SMM Titanium Flash] Amigo Resources said on 28 September that its subsidiary signed a share purchase agreement to acquire the Kamiesberg mineral sands project in South Africa’s Northern Cape through two holding companies. The proposed price is US$33 million, subject to working-capital and debt adjustments. Kamiesberg has a reported JORC mineral resource of 2.71 billion tonnes and contains ilmenite, a titanium dioxide feedstock, alongside rutile, zircon and monazite. The company estimates eventual output of about 505,000 tonnes a year of sulphate ilmenite under its current mine plan. This is a signed agreement, not a completed acquisition or producing mine. Closing depends on shareholder and regulatory approvals, including South African ministerial consent for a change of control, and Amigo still intends to raise development funding. Its proposed first processing module would cost about US$15 million and be commissioned within six months of completion; both timing and output are company targets. The deal could add a large South African titanium feedstock project to Amigo’s African portfolio if the conditions and funding are met.