| The economics of Brazilian anatase and its relative competitiveness to the traditional titanium concentrates has been investigated. This research provided a thorough analysis of the economic structure of the titanium raw materials industry and examined the relative cost effectiveness of major titanium feedstocks utilized for pigment production by the chloride process.; Assessment of production and consumption of titanium raw materials and their relationships with the market structure were addressed in this study. Also, factors and trends that can directly affect the entry of anatase concentrate in the international titanium minerals market were identified.; The Tapira anatase mine located in Minas Gerais, Brazil, was considered the base case mine for this research. A cost model function and an economic evaluation program were developed to measure the potential profitability to produce anatase concentrate from the Tapira mine for the international pigment market.; Ilmenite/leucoxene concentrate had the highest cost effectiveness, and natural rutile had the lowest. Results from the computer model indicated that anatase concentrate is cost competitive to natural rutile and synthetic rutile. |
