Hawsons Iron (ASX:HIO) is focusing on proving the ability to implement a 100% dry processing circuit for its namesake project in New South Wales.
The $14.23 million market capitalisation company has been working to enhance its dry grinding and ore variability programs, which are being overseen by independent engineering firm Stantec Australia and process specialists from Pitch Black Group.
The dry grinding circuit testwork program is well underway, with initial results “highly encouraging” to date, according to Hawsons.
Hawsons Iron says this approach is considered unique to the company because of the distinctive geochemical and physical properties that exist with the Hawsons material — a key differentiator against current Australian magnetite producers.
“The current work programs continue to point towards significant project enhancement for the Hawsons Iron Project — technically and financially whilst also incorporating safety, environmental, and operational/maintenance aspects,” CEO Tom Revy says.
Meanwhile, a soon to be completed mineral resource variability study is considered an integral part for finalising the process flow sheet to a Definitive Feasibility Study level.
Hawsons Iron says so far the findings have shown low mineralogical variation within the total resource, low variability in power requirements uncovered in the first 10 years of mining, and low variability in geochemical and physical properties.
The company notes that discussions with potential strategic investors indicate that there is a growing confidence that the project will produce a consistent, high-quality product capable of meeting their offtake specifications over the long-term.
The final component of the variability study will involve metallurgical and recovery tests to confirm variability within the current resource inventory.
All of this work is expected to be completed over the next six weeks. On completion, Hawsons Iron plans to release a report containing the final results of both programs, which is anticipated in Q2 2025.
The Hawsons Iron Project aims to supply one of the world’s highest grade iron ore concentrate products to the global steel industry.
The company says its Hawsons product will demand a price premium despite iron ore spot pricing fluctuations as it satisfies increasing global demand for premium, low-impurity feedstock that enables steel markets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
According to Trading Economics, prices for iron ore cargoes with 62% iron content have been sitting around US$107 ($169) per tonne this month. In recent times, the highest price was during October 2024 at around US$112 per tonne.
Hawsons Iron is focused on producing high-grade and high-quality iron ore products via its flagship namesake project in Broken Hill, New South Wales.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Hawsons Iron
