Athena Resources (ASX:AHN) has produced a 10kg product sample of high-grade magnetite concentrate grading 70.55% iron, after conducting new metallurgical testwork at the Byro Project in Western Australia.
Using drill core samples from the FE1 ore body deposit, Athena produced the iron ore concentrate using standard processing methods. The material was crushed and ground down and was then put through a low intensity magnetic separation stage to produce the concentrate.
CEO Peter Jones says these new metallurgical test results confirm Byro’s product potential.
“Athena believes that the future of green iron and green steel is entirely dependent on the future supply of premium quality high-grade magnetite concentrates,” Jones says.
“Byro’s ability to efficiently produce ultra high-grade iron ore concentrates grading above 70% iron is a game changer and sets our project apart from peers. The results are particularly pleasing and are consistent with the world-class test results Athena has achieved previously.”
According to Trading Economics, iron ore fell to US$101.52 per tonne on 20 August 2025, representing a 0.05% decrease from the previous day.
Over the past month, iron ore’s price has increased 3.76% and 3.19% compared to the same period last year.
The iron ore market moves fast, and is driven by supply, demand, geopolitics, and sustainability.
Fastmarkets says the iron ore market is tough for steelmakers, particularly in China. China’s steel production is forecast to decline as its economy matures and domestic needs peak.
Meanwhile, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East are gearing up for strong growth, as reported by Fastmarkets.
Athena Resources is a Western Australian explorer focused on acquiring mineral projects with potential to be developed into a profitable mining operation.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Athena Resources
