Key points
- Bulk-scale elutriation testwork upgraded magnetite concentrate to 69.3% Fe from 67.8% Fe.
- Substantial reduction in silica and alumina levels.
- Results confirm earlier testwork and support inclusion in Pre-Feasibility Study process.
Full summary
Hawsons Iron Ltd (ASX: HIO) has announced highly encouraging results from bulk-scale elutriation testwork on magnetite concentrate from the Hawsons Iron Project. The testwork successfully upgraded the concentrate sample from 67.8% Fe to 69.3% Fe, while significantly reducing key gangue components, including silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3). The results confirm earlier testwork and support the inclusion of elutriation in the Company's updated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) flowsheet. The increase in concentrate grade from approximately 68% Fe to approaching 70% Fe has the potential to deliver a meaningful improvement in the value of the Hawsons product. The testwork utilized bulk magnetite concentrate produced from Hawsons drill core during metallurgical testwork undertaken at ALS in Perth during 2025. Fine tuning of elutriation conditions will be undertaken during the Feasibility Study, including assessment of operating parameters aimed at maximizing product quality, recovery, and overall project economics.
Outlook
Hawsons Iron Ltd believes that the quality of the iron units entering the steelmaking process will become increasingly important, and the company is well-positioned to supply premium magnetite concentrate to the global steel industry.