Hawsons Iron Limited’s latest bulk elutriation testwork upgraded its magnetite concentrate from 67.8% to 69.3% iron, slashing impurities and reinforcing the project’s premium product potential.
- Iron grade increased from 67.8% to 69.3% Fe
- Silica and alumina impurities cut by 39% and 28% respectively
- Elutriation confirmed for inclusion in updated Pre-Feasibility Study flowsheet
- Premium concentrate positioning could enhance revenue and margins
- Further optimisation planned in upcoming Feasibility Study
Elutriation Testwork Validates Premium Concentrate Quality
Hawsons Iron Limited (ASX:HIO) has demonstrated a significant quality leap in its magnetite concentrate from the Hawsons Iron Project, with bulk elutriation testwork pushing iron content from 67.8% to 69.3% Fe. This upgrade comes alongside a marked reduction in key impurities, including a 39% drop in silica and a 28% decrease in alumina. The results confirm the value of incorporating elutriation into the updated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) flowsheet, reinforcing the project’s ability to deliver a very-high-grade, low-impurity product.
Impurity Reductions Enhance Product Premiums
The testwork, conducted on bulk magnetite concentrate samples processed at ALS Perth, reduced silica levels from 4.04% to 2.48% and alumina from 0.40% to 0.29%. Phosphorus remained exceptionally low at 0.006%, a critical factor for steelmakers focused on product quality. Such impurity reductions not only improve concentrate quality but also align with the steel industry’s increasing demand for feedstocks that boost productivity, lower energy consumption, and reduce emissions.
Strategic Positioning in a Changing Steel Market
Hawsons Managing Director Tom Revy highlighted the strategic importance of these results, noting that the concentrate’s elevated iron grade and low deleterious elements position Hawsons as a potential long-life supplier of premium magnetite concentrate. He emphasised that the upgrade adds no operating costs but could materially increase revenue through higher product premiums. This premium positioning is particularly relevant as steelmakers seek iron ore products that support energy-efficient and low-emission steelmaking processes, including hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI).
Technical Details and Sample Integrity
The elutriation process exploits differences in specific gravity to separate magnetite from gangue minerals such as silicates and carbonates. The bulk sample comprised core and sump samples from multiple drillholes across the Hawsons deposit, ensuring representative coverage. Testing adhered to industry standards and JORC Code compliance, with all assays conducted by an independent laboratory. The comprehensive sampling and testing program underpins confidence in the results and their applicability to the project’s flowsheet design.
Path Forward for Feasibility and Optimisation
With elutriation proving effective at bulk scale, Hawsons plans to fine-tune operating parameters during the upcoming Feasibility Study. This will focus on maximising product quality, recovery rates, and overall project economics. The company’s ongoing process optimisation programs will integrate these findings, potentially unlocking further project upside without increasing mine production. The enhanced concentrate quality could translate into stronger revenue streams and improved margins, subject to confirmation from large-scale testwork and economic assessments.
Bottom Line?
The Hawsons Iron Project’s ability to upgrade concentrate grade and cut impurities through elutriation offers a promising lever for boosting product value and margins, but the true economic impact hinges on forthcoming Feasibility Study results and scale-up validation.
Questions in the middle?
- How will large-scale elutriation testwork confirm these bulk sample results across orebody variability?
- What premium pricing might Hawsons realistically command for a 69%+ Fe concentrate with low impurities?
- Could further process optimisation unlock additional grade improvements or cost efficiencies ahead of final investment decisions?