Titanium Occurrence Within Heavy Mineral Sands

Titanium has been identified on Palmerville Station, primarily hosted within ilmenite found in the heavy mineral sand fractions. Ilmenite commonly occurs in association with monazite and other REE-bearing minerals, and forms part of the broader heavy mineral assemblage being evaluated across the project area.

As REE and monazite exploration advances, the ilmenite–titanium potential will be assessed in parallel, as it may present an additional revenue stream through the recovery of titanium feedstock used in aerospace alloys, pigments, and advanced materials.

Titanium underpins advanced military platforms through its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high-temperature tolerance, and corrosion resistance. It comprises ~14% of the F-35 airframe, forms the heat-shield skin of the SR-71 Blackbird, and reinforces M1 Abrams turret structures; in naval systems, titanium pressure hulls enable deep-diving submarines (e.g., Russia’s Project 705 Alfa-class), while carrier deck components and missile casings rely on titanium alloys and additive-manufactured sponge. Turbine blades made from titanium aluminides boost jet-engine efficiency, and lightweight drone frames exploit the metal’s durability without payload penalties.

Global supply remains a critical risk: Russia, via VSMPO-AVISMA, has historically provided 30–40% of U.S. aerospace-grade sponge, with China and Japan controlling most of the rest. Designated a DoD critical mineral, titanium is stockpiled in the National Defense Stockpile, and recent U.S. investments (e.g., IperionX’s Virginia facility) aim to rebuild domestic capacity. An export cutoff could stall fighter production for over a year and force expensive redesigns, turning titanium access into a decisive factor in sustained high-intensity warfare.