WA-based mineral sands and pigment producer Tiwest has officially opened its expanded Kwinana pigment plant.
WA-based mineral sands and pigment producer Tiwest has officially opened its expanded Kwinana pigment plant.
The plant will increase the company's production capacity of titanium dioxide pigment to around 150,000 tonnes per annum.
The plant was originally established in 1988 with a capacity of 65,000 tonnes per year.
Since then Tiwest has steadily increased the production capacity of the plant to meet increasing demand from Asia.
See company statement below:
Investment decisions made during the Global Financial Crisis are now paying off for Western Australian-based mineral sands and pigment producer Tiwest, which celebrated the official opening of its expanded Kwinana Pigment Plant today. As global demand increases for Tiwest's core product, titanium dioxide pigment, the expanded Plant is well positioned to keep pace, increasing annual production capacity to around 150 000 tonnes per annum.
At a ceremony held today, the Hon. Norman Moore MLC, Minister for Mines and Petroleum, officially opened the expanded plant. Established in 1988 with an original capacity of 65,000 tonnes per annum, Tiwest has steadily increased the production capacity of the plant to meet increasing demand from Asia.
Tiwest is a joint venture between Tronox Western Australia Pty Limited, a subsidiary of
Tronox Incorporated in the USA, and Exxaro Australia Sands Pty Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Exxaro Resources Limited in South Africa. It operates six sites across Western Australia and employs more than 700 people.
Tiwest transforms black ilmenite into pure white, non-toxic titanium dioxide pigment.
Following the mining and separation into zircon and titanium minerals, the ilmenite is first transformed into synthetic rutile (SR) at Tiwest's Chandala SR Plant. The Kwinana Pigment Plant then transforms the SR into titanium dioxide pigment. This pigment is used by many industries as an unsurpassed whitener and opacifier in everyday products, such as paper, plastics, textiles and paint as well as in a variety of other consumer products.
Tiwest is the world's largest integrated producer of mineral sands products and titanium
dioxide pigment, and is one of only two producers of titanium dioxide pigment in Australia. Managing Director of Tronox Western Australia, Mr Robert Kirton, acknowledged that Tiwest must continue to be innovative.
"We are a recognised leader in the pigment industry and must continue to set the pace when it comes to the application of new technology," he said.
"The successful completion of the expansion here at the Kwinana Pigment Plant allows us to grow our business and to meet increasing demand in Asia. Our congratulations to all
involved in the expansion of the Tiwest Kwinana Pigment Plant, a fantastic chievement."
Managing Director of Exxaro Australia Sands, Mr Tony Martin, acknowledged the benefits of the long-term joint venture partnership.
"Since 1988, Tiwest has brought together the mineral resources capability of Exxaro
Australia Sands and Tronox Incorporated's proprietary chloride process, to produce pigment and mineral sands products such as zircon and rutile, which are preferred around the world by manufacturers of paint, plastics, paper and other consumer products," he said.
"Together we have created the world's largest fully integrated mineral sands and pigment
production business. The expansion at the Kwinana Pigment Plant has ensured further value adding to the resources of Western Australia for the benefit of the State, our local
communities, employees and the joint venture partners."
The Minister was given a tour of the key features of the expanded Plant, followed by lunch served on site. Approximately one hundred guests attended.