Kenmare buoyed by ilmenite market improvement, record production potential

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Production volumes decreased across the board at mineral sands miner Kenmare Resources’ Moma titanium minerals mine, in Mozambique, in the third quarter, with the exception of ilmenite.

Nonetheless, production of total finished products increased by 4.5% year-on-year to 277 800 t in the third quarter, while ore mined in the quarter increased by 9% to 7.7-million tons.

Heavy minerals concentrate (HMC) production decreased by 16% year-on-year to 272 600 t for the third quarter, while ilmenite output increased by 6% year-on-year to 257 500 t. Zircon production decreased by 8% year-on-year to 18 100 t, comprising 12 100 t of primary zircon output and 6 100 t of secondary zircon output. Rutile production was down 12% year-on-year to 2 200 t.

Kenmare MD Michael Carvill said the HMC production decreased owing to guided lower grades and more challenging mining conditions, which the company expected would improve in the fourth quarter.

He attributed the decrease in zircon output to the increase of intermediate zircon stocks, as ongoing circuit modifications progressed.

However, Carvill highlighted that in the three months to September 30, Moma achieved record ilmenite production, which had kept the company on track to record its highest ever yearly production of the metal, which would be within Kenmare’s guidance range of between 950 000 t and 1.05-million tons.

“In the product market, 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 achieved during the second half of the year,” he added.

Total shipments of finished products during the third quarter decreased by 26% to 208 400 t, which was in line with previous guidance, primarily owing to planned maintenance of the company’s primary trans-shipment vessel.

Shipments were also impacted on by extended periods of adverse weather during the quarter. Both trans-shipment vessels returned to full service in September, with high loading rates achieved. Kenmare expects shipments during quarter four to be the highest of the year.

Sales during the quarter comprised 197 000 t of ilmenite, 9 300 t of zircon and 2 100 t of rutile.

Closing stock of finished products at September 30, was 271 400 t compared with 202 500 t at June 30, of which 19 200 t were being held for a customer that had paid.