WA1 Resources Produces First Ferroniobium from Luni

Key Highlights:

  • Successful Conversion Testwork – Produced ferroniobium with 65.7% niobium and 24.3% iron.
  • Proof-of-Concept Complete – Final stage of a conventional ferroniobium flowsheet successfully demonstrated.
  • Major Market Opportunity – Ferroniobium accounts for 90% of global niobium consumption.
  • Strong Metallurgical Performance – Initial 84% niobium recovery, exceeding expectations.
  • Ongoing Testwork – Further studies to optimise niobium product development and processing efficiencies.

Milestone Achievement for WA1

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) has achieved a major milestone by successfully producing ferroniobium from refined concentrate at its 100%-owned West Arunta Project in Western Australia. This marks a significant step in demonstrating the commercial viability of niobium extraction from Luni.

Managing Director Paul Savich hailed the achievement, stating:
“To have progressed from our first testwork to ferroniobium production in just over a year is an incredible achievement. The results confirm Luni’s suitability for a conventional ferroniobium flowsheet, and we’re now expanding testwork to explore other high-value niobium products.”

Ferroniobium and the Global Market

Ferroniobium is primarily used in high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steels, with global demand exceeding 125,000 tonnes per annum. WA1’s success in producing ferroniobium underscores the potential for Luni to become a key future supplier.

Conversion Testwork – How It Works

The testwork followed a conventional aluminothermic reaction process, where refined niobium concentrate was blended with iron oxide, aluminium, and fluxing agents. The reaction successfully removed impurities, producing a ferroniobium product within commercial-grade specifications.

  • First-pass niobium recovery of 84% – Expected to improve with further optimisation.
  • Future testwork will refine the iron and aluminium mixture to meet typical commercial ferroniobium standards.

Next Steps for WA1

WA1 continues to advance metallurgical testwork, focusing on:

  • Optimising beneficiation – Expanding flotation testing and assessing mineral variability.
  • Refining and conversion improvements – Enhancing ferroniobium purity and exploring high-value niobium oxides for superalloy and battery markets.
  • Defining a broader resource envelope – Beneficiation testwork on samples from a wider area of Luni.

With ferroniobium production now proven, WA1 is well-positioned to capitalise on growing global demand for niobium and advance towards potential development.