Interview with Shaun Bunn, Managing Director of Empire Metals Ltd.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/empire-metals-loneee-titanium-market-disruptor-targets-2026-pilot-pant-7736

Recording date: 12th November 2025

Empire Metals is developing the Pitfield project in Western Australia, home to one of the world's largest titanium deposits with a maiden resource estimate of 2.2 billion tons grading just over 5% TiO2. This multigenerational asset positions the company as a potential disruptor in global critical minerals supply chains at a time when the industry faces unprecedented restructuring.

The company's strategic advantage extends beyond scale. Pitfield's geology features high-purity titanium minerals formed through weathering processes in sandstone formations, eliminating deleterious elements that typically complicate conventional processing. Empire has already produced 99% pure TiO2 products, validating the ore's metallurgical responsiveness and demonstrating the viability of its innovative hydrometallurgical approach.

Unlike traditional titanium processing that relies on energy-intensive smelting and generates substantial waste, Empire's three-stage process bypasses these costly operations entirely. The surface deposit requires no blasting, drilling, crushing, or grinding, with friable material feeding directly into flotation circuits. This technical differentiation, combined with low mining costs, positions Empire to deliver products at significantly lower cost than 90% of existing global supply.

Management is pursuing dual revenue streams, targeting both pigment production and strategic metal feedstock for defense and aerospace applications. The company has engaged with Boeing, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other end-users to align product specifications with market demand before finalizing process design. This customer-driven approach preserves optionality while reducing downstream marketing risk.

The timing proves strategic. Major producers including Rio Tinto, Venator, and Iluka are retreating from titanium operations amid Chinese price competition and tariff responses. Empire aims to fill emerging supply gaps with government support through Australia's $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility.

With £11 million in funding secured and continuous piloting targeted for mid-2026, Empire maintains development momentum toward demonstrating cost competitiveness and securing end-user commitments that could accelerate the project's pathway to production.

View Empire Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/empire-metals

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