Hawsons Faces Challenge of Phosphorus Removal in Hematite Recovery Efforts
Hawsons Iron Limited has reported positive Phase 1 results from a CSIRO study revealing the mineral composition of its iron tailings, highlighting potential for hematite recovery as a valuable byproduct.
- Tailings dominated by hematite and quartz with minimal magnetite
- Phosphorus present mainly as discrete phosphate minerals
- Results support further economic recovery investigations
- Current prefeasibility study remains focused on magnetite
- Next phase to explore phosphorus and quartz rejection methods
Background and Research Focus
Hawsons Iron Limited has announced encouraging outcomes from the first phase of a collaborative research program with CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. The study aimed to deepen understanding of the mineralogy of the non-magnetic iron tailings generated by the Hawsons Iron Project, with a view to unlocking potential secondary product recovery strategies.
The research specifically targeted the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the tailings, which are the residual materials left after primary magnetite extraction. Identifying the dominant iron-bearing minerals and impurity elements like phosphorus was central to assessing whether hematite, a valuable iron oxide, could be economically recovered as a byproduct.
Key Findings from Phase 1 Testing
These mineralogical insights provide a solid technical foundation for further exploration of hematite recovery options. The presence of well-liberated hematite grains alongside gangue minerals like muscovite and feldspar suggests that established metallurgical methods such as flotation could be effective in separating valuable hematite from impurities.
Implications and Next Steps
While these results are promising, Hawsons CEO Tom Revy emphasized that the findings will not alter the current prefeasibility study (PFS), which remains focused exclusively on magnetite production. The PFS is on track for completion by year-end. Instead, the company plans to initiate further metallurgical testwork aimed at optimizing processes to reject phosphorus and quartz while retaining hematite.
This next phase will be critical in determining the economic viability of recovering hematite from tailings, potentially enhancing the overall value proposition of the Hawsons Iron Project. The research was supported by CSIRO’s Kick-Start Program, which facilitates access to scientific expertise for innovative Australian enterprises.
Context within the Hawsons Iron Project
The Hawsons Iron Project, located near Broken Hill on the NSW-South Australia border, is known for its magnetite-rich ore deposits. The project’s ore is relatively soft, allowing efficient liberation of magnetite during processing. The tailings studied represent the non-magnetic fraction remaining after magnetite extraction, historically considered waste but now under reconsideration for hematite recovery.
Samples for the CSIRO study were drawn from multiple drill cores and surface material, ensuring representative coverage of the deposit’s mineralogy. The rigorous sampling and testing protocols lend confidence to the findings and their applicability to the broader project.
Bottom Line?
Hawsons Iron’s CSIRO-backed insights open a new avenue for value creation, but the economic case for hematite recovery remains to be proven.
Questions in the middle?
- What metallurgical methods will prove most effective for phosphorus and quartz removal?
- How might hematite byproduct recovery impact the project’s overall economics and timeline?
- Will future prefeasibility updates incorporate these findings to reflect potential hematite production?