Latest Mineral Sands Sector News

Image Resources NL’s CEO Patrick Mutz will resign at the end of August 2026, with Chair Winston Lee stepping in as Executive Chair during the leadership transition. The company continues to operate its Atlas project while exploring innovative synthetic rutile processing.

Lion Rock Minerals has brought in a seasoned leadership team from Sierra Rutile to spearhead development at its Minta Rutile and Monazite Project in Cameroon, supported by a $2 million capital raise.

Sinowin Lithium, MRG Metals’ JV partner, commits to fund drilling at the Marão Titanium Dioxide Project in Mozambique, aiming to expand mineralisation and underpin a mining licence application amid broader JV progress.

Diatreme Resources has reported a significant boost in mineral recoveries and production forecasts for its Cyclone Project in Western Australia, driven by advanced metallurgical testwork and flowsheet optimisation.

Lion Rock Minerals has reported promising high-grade rutile intercepts across a 24-kilometre strike at its Minta Project in Cameroon, advancing towards a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate expected in the second half of 2026.

Sheffield Resources has withdrawn its March quarter production and shipment guidance for the Thunderbird Mineral Sands Mine due to ongoing operational challenges, including equipment failures and weather impacts. The company has initiated management changes and plans to commence shipments of a new HiTi concentrate product this month.

Titanium Sands Limited has lodged key Industrial Mining License applications for its Mannar Heavy Minerals project in Sri Lanka, progressing environmental approvals and securing funding as the country finalises a new mineral policy.

MRG Metals has expanded its rare earth portfolio through the acquisition of the high-grade Garies Rare Earth Project in South Africa, while also progressing key projects in Mozambique, signalling a diversified growth strategy in critical minerals.

Everlast Minerals advances pilot operations at its Gaibandha Mineral Sands Project, securing a critical 500kW power connection and strengthening government ties in Bangladesh.

Sinowin Lithium, MRG Metals’ joint venture partner, aims to kick off production at the massive Corridor Sands Heavy Mineral Sands Project in Mozambique by March 2027, backed by significant early investment and regulatory approvals.

Iluka Resources is set to report a hefty $565 million pre-tax charge in FY25, driven by impairments and inventory write-downs amid ongoing weak demand for mineral sands products.

Sheffield Resources has negotiated a waiver and deferral on senior loan repayments for its Thunderbird Mineral Sands Mine, while ongoing discussions with lenders aim to restructure project finance amid uncertain shareholder funding.