IperionX is another step close to commercial scale production of fully recycled, low carbon titanium after selecting Halifax County, Virginia, as the preferred site for its demonstration facility.

The Titanium Demonstration Facility will be the first operation in the US using 100% recycled titanium metal scrap as raw material feedstock for the production of titanium metal powder.

It represents a key step in advancing IperionX’s (ASX:IPX) goal of securing supply chains by providing an all-American source of sustainable titanium metal.

So just what led to its decision to select Halifax County for its demonstration facility over the more than 250 sites which were evaluated by the company?

For starters, the site is a ready-made 4645m2 building at the Southern Virginia Technology Park in Halifax County near South Boston with direct access to major highways, a large talent pool, high quality infrastructure and access to 100% renewable power.

Subject to completion of binding documentation, it allows the company to jump straight to upfitting the site to suit its needs before installing and commissioning the required equipment.

To that end, the company has the potential to draw on a US$4m construction allowance from the Halifax Industrial Development Authority to upfit the site, a US$300,000 grant from the Virginia Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and a grant for US$573,000 from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund.

“We are delighted to have chosen South Boston and Halifax County as the site for our inaugural titanium demonstration facility, which is a critical step in advancing IperionX’s ambition to re-shore an all-American source of titanium metal,” managing director Anastasios Arima said.

“We are highly appreciative of the support and welcome that we have received from our partners and stakeholders in Virginia and look forward to establishing IperionX as a leader in advanced manufacturing in our new home.”

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed the company, saying the construction of the first 100% recycled titanium metal powder facility in the US will place the state on the map for providing a critical material that is essential for advanced industries.

Titanium Demonstration Facility

Capital costs for Phase 1 of the facility, which will have production capacity of approximately 125 tonnes per annum, is estimated to be US$20m while production costs are forecast to be approximately US$120 per kilogram.

Spherical titanium metal powders used in additive manufacturing (3D printing) applications currently command a price of about US$250/kg.

Final confirmation of the site selection and financial offer is subject to the negotiation and execution of a binding performance agreement between the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and IperionX.

Titanium powders

The company has already proven that its patented technologies can produce a low-carbon spherical titanium alloy powder which meets important Grade 5 quality specifications for Ti64 alloy, the most commonly used titanium alloy – accounting for about 50% of global titanium use.

Ti64 alloy offers high strength, lightweight and high corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in aerospace turbines, structural components and engine components.

Its titanium powders could also be used to manufacture luxury watches under a commercial partnership agreement with Italy’s Panerai with prototype cases already passing rigorous metallographic testing and surface quality requirements for the luxury market.

 

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with IperionX, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

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