According to Abare, in 2010−2011 assessment years. expected growth in production of all types of titanium-containing raw materials not only in comparison with the 2008−2009., but with the pre-crisis period.
The growth of the production of titanium dioxide in China and increased demand for titanium-containing raw materials is forcing Chinese companies to increase imports of raw materials. In January-July 2010, China imported 1.155 million tons of titanium-containing raw materials (mainly ilmenite concentrate) compared to 1.479 million tonnes for the whole of 2009. In August 2010 Chinese China Metallurgical Group in South Africa signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of local development ilmenite. It is planned to establish production of titanium slag capacity of 680 thousand tons per year, and iron -. 1.2 million tons per year.
In China, the average price of ilmenite and titanium slag concentrates of Chinese production in the 3rd quarter of 2010 increased compared to the 1−2 quarters of 2010, the prices in September 2010 rose slightly and prices of imported ilmenite concentrates as compared to August 2010
Increase imports of titanium-containing raw materials and companies in the United States. So in Q1 2010 were imported 87.8 thousand. Tons of titanium slag, and in the 2nd quarter of 2010 already 152.2 thousand. Tonnes.
The company Kenmare Resources in the 1st half of 2010 produced a field Moma (Mozambique) 319 thous. Tons of ilmenite concentrates. In 2011, the company plans to increase production of ilmenite concentrate to 790−800 thousand. Tons to about 690 thousand. Tonnes expected in 2010
In 2010, according to Kenmare Resources, titanium-containing raw material consumption in the world will increase by 15% compared to 2009. It is expected that the price of titanium-containing raw materials, especially the rutile concentrate, can grow, when the contracts will be concluded in 2011. In 2011, expected supply shortages rutile concentrate, especially if demand for it will remain at current levels or even increase.
In the second quarter of 2010, prices for rutile concentrate on the open market. Prices for rutile concentrate with a minimum content of 95% TiO2 pigment for the production in August 2010, were in the range $ 530−550 per 1 ton (bulk, FOB, Australia), while the packed rutile concentrate was sold for $ 725−800 under the same delivery conditions. Australian company Iluka Resources, concludes agreements on the prices of synthetic rutile by a principle «cap and collar» (fixed upper and lower limits of prices) from the end of 2010
Ukraine is among the five largest countries in the world producing titanium-containing concentrates. In January-August 2010 compared with January-August 2009, Ukraine exported titanium concentrate rose by 31.6% to 183.89 thousand. Tons, by $ 38.82 million. The historical maximum of titanium-containing raw materials in Ukraine accounts for 2008, when the volume of its production totaled about 414 thousand. tonnes. Based on the operating licenses for the operation of the 17 largest deposits of titanium-containing raw material supplies to Ukraine at the beginning of 2010 amount to about 184 million tons of TiO2. At the same time, despite the large amount of stocks, most titanium-containing raw materials relates mainly to the category of «poor» and «miserable», with high volatility and the mineral composition of the multicomponent composition. These factors, ceteris paribus, higher refining costs. Besides the two state-owned enterprises (Volnogorsk MMC and Irshansk Mining), Ukraine extraction and enrichment of titanium-containing raw materials involved are 3 companies: Rolls-ilmenite (ilmenite concentrate production) Demurinsky GOK (mining and enrichment of titanium and zirconium ores, Non-Ferrous (production and sale of titanium ores and concentrates). In July 2010 industrial and commercial company Velta (Dnepropetrovsk) began construction of mining for the extraction of ore sand and concentrate on the production of ilmenite Birzulovskom deposit (Kirovograd region.) and to complete its construction and is planned to start commercial production before the summer of 2011. Expected production volumes and production of ilmenite concentrate will make 185 thousand. tonnes per year.