REG - Empire Metals Ltd - Pitfield Project Development Update

Empire MetalsAnnouncement

27/01/2026 07:00

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RNS Number : 4368Q  Empire Metals Limited  27 January 2026

Empire Metals Limited / LON: EEE, OTCQX: EPMLF / Sector: Natural Resources

 

27 January 2026

Empire Metals Limited

("Empire" or "the Company")

 

Pitfield Project Development Update

 

Empire Metals Limited, the AIM-quoted and OTCQX-traded leading exploration and
development company, is pleased to provide an update on the Pitfield titanium
Project in Western Australia ('Pitfield' or the 'Project'). With a number of
Empire's key development milestones now nearing completion the Company is well
positioned to commence metallurgical piloting test work. The engineering,
metallurgical testing, mining studies, and piloting test work will provide the
necessary information to complete the Scoping Study later in 2026.

 

Highlights

 

 •    Flotation test work confirms selective recovery of titanium minerals into a
      froth flotation concentrate with the rejection of high levels of unwanted
      gangue minerals.

 •    Whole-of-ore flotation, as an alternative to gravity and flotation, has
      improved overall concentrate grades (over 34% TiO(2)) and recoveries (circa
      70%) whilst simplifying the mineral separation flowsheet.

 •    Positive results achieved from atmospheric sulphuric acid leaching of
      flotation concentrates, which requires much lower temperatures and simpler
      equipment than the acid bake-water leach process tested to date.

 •    Optimisation of the product finishing stage is underway, targeting both
      anatase and rutile pigment products, as well as feedstock suitable for Ti
      metal production.

 •    Non-binding Cooperation Agreement executed with the Mid West Ports Authority
      to enable formal discussions regarding future port access and use of port
      facilities.

 •    Environmental studies progressing well, identifying opportunities to reduce
      environmental and social impacts, and streamlining the Project's permitting
      pathway in a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction.

 

Progress planned for Q1 2026

The metallurgical test programmes on the in-situ weathered ores are being
completed rapidly with key aspects of the metallurgical performance being
captured for comparison with existing industry performance.  By early
February, the mineral separation process flowsheet is anticipated to reach a
stage that will permit the commencement of additional large-scale
metallurgical batch tests.  These batch tests will generate the mineral
concentrates required for optimising the hydrometallurgical performance and
also to produce additional high-grade titanium products required for
characterisation-supporting marketing efforts. The aim is to have a preferred
process flowsheet completed by end of Q1 so that the continuous pilot scale
testing work can commence.

This quarter, concurrent with the development of the base case flowsheet, the
majority of alternative flowsheet configurations are expected to undergo
testing, with comparative assessments undertaken to decide which concepts
should progress to continuous pilot scale test work. Aspects such as capital
costs, operating costs, complexity, product quality and potential for
byproducts will be used to compare and select viable options to pursue.

Engineering data sighter tests and desktop studies will also be completed to
allow project scoping and engineering design criteria. Completing sighter
tests for bulk materials handling, waste stream geochemistry, tailings
dewatering and water recycling will help inform the engineering studies and
define what further test work would be required to build confidence in project
development decisions.

 

 

Shaun Bunn, Managing Director, said: "The ongoing achievements of our
metallurgical and environmental teams continue to impress. We are greatly
encouraged by the pace and quality of work being delivered, advancing multiple
workstreams in parallel, and accelerating the Project's development pathway.
We committed early in the Project development stage to bring together a strong
team of metallurgical, environmental and social scientists, and they have
worked closely with our geology and engineering staff during this critical
phase of exploration, mineral resource development and process design.

 

"Metallurgical programmes are progressing rapidly toward a defined process
flowsheet, with flotation performance and atmospheric low temperature leaching
options having the potential to materially enhance project economics. In
parallel, engineering, mining and marketing studies are now underway to
support completion of a Scoping Study later this year. Collectively, these
milestones strengthen Pitfield's position as a globally significant titanium
development project with multiple downstream product pathways, including
pigment and titanium metal feedstock."

 

Metallurgical Process Development

The metallurgical batch programme has progressed rapidly examining a range of
aspects important to the flowsheet development, specifically ore
characterisation, mineral separation, titanium extraction and TiO(2) product
development.

The progress being made in each area is discussed below:

Ore characterisation

Mineralogy using Scanning Electron Microscope ('SEM') and X-Ray Diffraction
('XRD') technologies remain important for understanding the ore and its
behaviour through the metallurgical testing process.

Empire has analysed 216 samples with XRD. The primary purpose of this analysis
was to generate data that clearly identifies the mineralogy downhole and which
will lead to a better understanding of the mineralogy within the weathering
profile. What can be clearly identified from the samples analysed at Pitfield
is that anatase is the dominant Ti mineral in the saprolite and weathered
sandstone and titanite is the dominant Ti mineral in the fresh sandstone
bedrock.  There is minor but significant rutile evident throughout the
deposit and virtually no evidence of ilmenite (refer Table 1). This data
indicates that there is little or no material difference within the highly
weathered mineral resources across the deposits, suggesting a straightforward
flowsheet can be applied and will be effective.

 

 Mineral/Lithology  Saprolite  Weathered Bedrock  Fresh Bedrock
 Anatase            8.3        7.0                1.9
 Rutile             0.5        0.5                0.5
 Titanite           0.3        0.9                11.6

Table 1: Average Weight % of Ti minerals within the different rock types
confirmed by XRD

Mineral Separation & Concentration

The bulk-scale samples collected in the recent AC drilling programme have been
used for larger scale metallurgical tests. The team is currently focused on
assessing flotation as an earlier processing step for whole-of-ore following
such positive responses on the finer ore fraction. Whole-of-ore flotation
requires a short scrubbing/grinding stage, followed by conditioning and
flotation. Consistent with the fines flotation, similar reagent schemes are
able to achieve selective recovery of titanium minerals for the whole ore
samples. Further investigation around grind size, selective liberation and
cleaning stages are still under investigation which will provide for larger
scale flotation tests, leading into continuous piloting.

Key results to date include:

·    Fine fraction "rougher" flotation on saprolite samples have achieved
67- 77% TiO2 recovery and up to 19% TiO2 concentrate grade. Similar recovery
performance was achieved on a weathered sandstone samples fines fraction with
a "rougher" flotation recovery of 68%.

·    Cleaner tests on rougher concentrate have achieved a 90% stage
recovery at 32% TiO(2) concentrate grade. This equates to an overall float
recovery of circa 70%.

Suitable reagent regimes have now been narrowed down, and optimisation of the
flotation parameters is being evaluated by adjusting other variables. The
reagents being advanced to the next phase have all shown selective recovery of
titanium minerals into a froth flotation concentrate, with high levels of
rejection of unwanted gangue minerals, in excess of 80% by mass, and cleaner
concentrate grades greater than 34% TiO(2).

One aspect currently under examination is the application of fine-particle
flotation cell technologies on the Pitfield weathered ores. Aspects such as
froth washing to remove entrained particles, finer air bubbles and higher
intensity reagent - slurry mixing will improve the selective recovery of the
titanium minerals from unwanted gangue minerals.

Hydrometallurgy - Titanium Extraction

The high-grade mineral concentrate samples which are now been generated by
flotation have allowed the beneficiation work to advance more quickly, with
the process selection phase on schedule to allow several flowsheet options to
advance to a bulk-scale batch programme ahead of a piloting phase, which is
now expected to commence before mid-year.

Initially, titanium extraction was focused on a known process route for
anatase leaching which is similar to the existing, industry proven, sulphate
route for titanium pigment production. This involves a sulphuric acid bake
followed by water leach to extract the titanium into solution and then
recovering the titanium through a hydrolysis process before further refining
and calcining into TiO(2). This flowsheet confirms a highly effective route
for extraction of the titanium found at Pitfield, with leach recoveries of
98%.

Recently, atmospheric sulphuric acid leaching concept has shown promising
results, requiring less acid, simpler equipment, and lower temperatures than
previous methods. Testing at temperatures as low as 120 °C with residence
times up to four hours suggests significant reductions in energy and acid use,
though recoveries still need improvement. Further examinations are underway to
test higher grade concentrates and to further optimise the leach conditions
and recoveries. The team is particularly excited by this flowsheet option as
it has the potential to simplify the extraction circuit and provide an
opportunity for recycling and reuse of low-grade acid within the process
flowsheet.

The metallurgical team had also identified several alternative processes that
would also be effective for the titanium extraction stage, and test work is
now well underway to assess these options. Empire's metallurgical team is
managing the process development with the support of Strategic Metallurgy Pty
Ltd (announced 16 July 2025), and the concepts are being tested at several
local commercial metallurgical laboratories.

Product development

As announced previously a +99% TiO(2) anatase pigment product has been
produced from the Pitfield ore, using conventional acid bake-water leach
process as applied in the sulphate pigment industry (announced 9 June 2025).
Further programmes have commenced to examine variables in the product
finishing steps to target either an anatase pigment or a rutile pigment
product. Potential to make alternative titanium products such as titanium
tetrachloride (TiCl(4)), which is the pre-curser to making Ti metal sponge via
the Kroll process, or to develop an alternative Ti metal production route are
being investigated.

Environmental Study Progress

Environmental baseline studies and community engagement are critical path
items for project approvals in Western Australia. Studies completed to date
have identified opportunities to reduce environmental and social impacts. This
has the potential to reduce permitting risk and supports the Company's
objective of responsible and timely project development.

 

Pitfield is located within the Avon Wheatbelt Bioregion of Western Australia.
Land use in the vicinity of the Project is predominantly farming for crops
and/or sheep grazing (see Figure 1) and it is the patches of vegetation across
the Project that are assessed in field studies.

 

During 2025, field studies focused on priority areas within the Project
tenements and have been completed with success. The timing of this year's
study is considered an achievement, successfully adhering to the guidelines
issued by the State Government for a second year in a row, and ensuring that
the survey data gained from these studies is of the highest quality.

 

The studies were completed by Botanica, a well-respected environmental
consultancy based in Western Australia for over 25 years and who pride
themselves on their technical expertise, and in-depth knowledge of policy and
legislation (see Figure 2).

 

Figure 1. Extent of clearing and local land use around Three Springs

 

Figure 2. Photos of botanical survey team taken during the spring work
programme.

 

Strategic Location & Infrastructure Advantage

Located within the Mid-West region of Western Australia, near the northern
wheatbelt town of Three Springs, the Pitfield titanium project lies 313 km
north of Perth and 156 km southeast of Geraldton, the Mid-West region's
capital and major port. The Company has now signed a non-binding co-operation
agreement with the Mid West Ports Authority, enabling formal discussions
regarding future port access and use of port facilities.

Western Australia is a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction, with mining-friendly
policies, stable government, transparency, and advanced technology expertise.
Pitfield has existing connections to port (both road and  rail), HV power
substations, and is nearby to natural gas pipelines as well as a green energy
hub, which is under planning and development (refer Figure 3).

 

Figure 3. Pitfield Project Location showing the Mid-West Region Infrastructure
and Services

 

Three Springs is a welcoming rural community founded on farming yet with the
added benefit of a strong local mining industry, with the largest talc mine in
the southern hemisphere located just a few kilometres to the east of the
townsite (see Figure 4). Three Springs boasts affordable housing and excellent
services for a town of its size, including a district hospital with 24-hour
emergency care, a primary school, supermarket, commercial businesses, and a
wide range of sporting and community facilities. The town is also strategic to
Western Australia's clean-energy future, with the government's "Clean Energy
Link North" transmission project highlighting Three Springs' role in unlocking
the Mid-West region's renewable energy potential.

 

Figure 4. Local infrastructure and services, including the nearby Talc Mine

 

Empire is actively, and regularly, consulting with local community members,
landowners and stakeholders through proactive engagement. Through its
stakeholder engagement process, the Company has identified emergency and
health services as a community priority. Empire has as a result sponsored fund
raising events for the St John Ambulance North Midlands Sub Centre. St John
plays a vital role in health and emergency services across the region. Locally
available contractors and suppliers have been used for site works.

 

Competent Person Statement

The scientific and technical information in this report that relates to
process metallurgy is based on information reviewed by Ms Narelle Marriott, an
employee of Empire Metals Australia Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Empire. Ms Marriott is a member of the AusIMM and has sufficient experience
relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under
consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent
Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012. Ms. Marriott consents to the
inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on their information in
the form and context in which it appears.

 

**ENDS**

 

For further information please visit www.empiremetals.co.uk
(http://www.empiremetals.co.uk) or contact:

 Empire Metals Ltd                                              Tel: 020 4583 1440

 Shaun Bunn / Greg Kuenzel / Arabella Burwell

 S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nomad & Joint Broker)      Tel: 020 3470 0470

 Ewan Leggat / Adam Cowl

 Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Broker)                      Tel: 020 7523 8000

 James Asensio / Christian Calabrese / Charlie Hammond

 Shard Capital Partners LLP (Joint Broker)                     Tel: 020 7186 9950

 Damon Heath

 Tavistock (Financial PR)                                      empiremetals@tavistock.co.uk (mailto:empiremetals@tavistock.co.uk)

 Emily Moss / Josephine Clerkin                                Tel: 020 7920 3150

 

About Empire Metals Limited

Empire Metals Ltd (AIM: EEE and OTCQX: EPMLF) is an exploration and resource
development company focused on the commercialisation of the Pitfield Titanium
Project, located in Western Australia. The titanium discovery at Pitfield is
of unprecedented scale and hosts one of the largest and highest-grade titanium
resources reported globally, with a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) totalling
2.2 billion tonnes grading 5.1% TiO₂ for 113 million tonnes of contained
TiO₂.

Titanium mineralisation at Pitfield occurs from surface and displays
exceptional grade continuity along strike and down dip. The MRE extends across
just 20% of the known mineralised footprint, providing substantial potential
for further resource expansion.

Conventional processing has already produced a high-purity product grading
99.25% TiO₂, suitable for titanium sponge metal or pigment feedstock. With
excellent logistics and established infrastructure, Pitfield is strategically
positioned to supply the growing global demand for titanium and other critical
minerals.

 

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