Introduction
Eramet's objective is to become the global benchmark in the mineral sands sector. To this end, it can draw on the combined expertise of its two sites. Grande Côte Opérations (GCO), in Senegal, is involved in mining a high-quality mineral sand deposit and produces mainly ilmenite, rutile and leucoxene, as well as zircon, one of the most sought-after commodities on the market due to its low radioactivity. In addition, the TiZir Titanium and Iron (TTI) enrichment capabilities of the Norwegian plant allow for the production of titanium dioxide slag and high-purity pig iron using Senegalese ilmenite. The plant is one of the few with expertise in the manufacture of titanium dioxide slag.
What are mineral sands used for?
Mineral sands contain titanium dioxide (TiO2), a compound that is primarily used to produce pigments, a raw material widely used in paints, plastics, paper and inks. They are also used in the manufacture of titanium metal and in the welding industry.
Zircon sand is widely used in the ceramics industry and for many applications such as abrasive or abrasion-resistant materials, refractory and foundry materials, jewelry, nuclear power (zirconium metal), and dental prosthetics.
