Metals, Minerals, Materials Project Examples

Feasibility Study - Investor Information Memorandum

Synthetic Rutile - Mining, Processing, Smelting Complex
TRU was retained to assist with a $280 million development of a huge dredge mine, mineral processing [zircon, ilmenite, magnetite iron ore, garnet] and iron ore metal smelting to Hot Briquette Iron (HBI) - titanium dioxide TiO2 synthetic rutile [synrutile] complex. Provided technical advice, marketing / financial / location modeling. Prepared Investor Memorandum and found investors.

Lithium Processing, Engineering, Economics, Supply-Demand

Lithium Metal & Li Alloys, Lithium Brine, Minerals, Li Chemicals
TRU has a strong capability in all aspects of lithium technology - lithium ore & brine mining, processing, metal manufacturing, refining, compounds etcetera and has also worked extensively in Li-ion batteries and lithium alloys in other projects. Indeed TRU has probably the strongest team capability in the world on lithium!: More on TRU and Lithium

Product Development Market Study

Potential for New Application for Molybdenum
TRU assessed detailed cost competitiveness of a new application for a molybdenum compound. Calculated the detailed cost for manufacturing the product for the new application versus conventional methods. Examined the relative importance of the cost structure for commercialization. Reviewed market potential and barriers to product launch for the new product.

Project Due Diligence [Electrolytic] / Feasibility Study [Pidgeon]

Magnesium Metal / Alloy Smelting and Refining Plant
TRU undertook due diligence for the investor in a electrolytic magnesium metal smelting and alloy making plant. This involved the TRU technical and business team reviewing all aspects of the $600 million project including metal smelting and alloy technology, ore feedstock, marketing & sales, financial, legal, and human resources. Client separately requested TRU magnesium metal price forecast 2006 through 2010. In a separate assignment TRU completed a detailed bankable feasibility study of a 30,000 tpy Pidgeon process [dolomite mineral reduction] magnesium smelter & alloy plant. TRU is the worlds leading experts on all aspects of magnesium metal and its alloys! Also see More information on TRU magnesium capability

Plant Detailed Bankable Feasibility Study

Ferrosilicon and Silicon Metal
TRU undertook a comprehensive feasibility study of a silicon and ferrosilicon 65,000 tpy smelter based on the most advanced engineering. Considered various technologies and configurations for the plant based on optimal economics and market considerations. Engineered process and plant and modeled alternatives. Study was conducted in phases leading to a full Bankable feasibility study - financial, marketing, business plan, engineering, plant, operations, location and utilities. Specified equipment and obtained western and Chinese quotations.

Ranking of Western REE Mine and Processing

Rare Earth Elements West Vs China
TRU identified and assessed promising heavy rare earth projects under development in the west and ranked them according to clients criteria. Evaluated geology and processing amenability and compared costs. Modelled processes and costs of production. Determined competitiveness with REE producers in China and the outlook for western verses Chinese market. Focused on heavy REE (examples, dysprosium Dy, Europium Eu, Terbium Tb, Yttrium, Y) used in permanent magnets for electric vehicle motors. Recommended a strategy for client to fulfill its rare earth development requirement.
More on the TRU Rare Earth Elements Team

Business Plan Preparation

Ukraine Electrolytic Tinning Line
TRU staff led team preparing the business plan for a new electrolytic tinning line at a 5 million tpy steel mill located in Ukraine. Assignment included western type local and export market study for tin sheet and techno-economic feasibility study for the plant.

Banker Due Diligence

Twenty Non-Ferrous Metal Facilities

TRU staff led management consulting team conducting due diligence on a $2 billion acquisition. Evaluated business prospects for twenty non ferrous [aluminum, copper, nickel] mining, mineral processing, refining and smelting facilities. Included marketing, financial, and operations.

New Refining and Granule-Making Process Commercialization

Strontium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium Metal / Alloy
TRU worked with inventors of a new metal granule making process that resulted in high quality refined granules suitable for reactive and other specialty metals and their alloys. Prepared commercialization plan and seeking funding and location for first Sr, Li, Ca, Mg refining / granule plant. More on strontium and strontium alloys..

Preliminary Plant Design

Metal Bathware
TRU assessed the threat of plastics for large metal bathware producer. Developed defensive strategies. Preliminary design and financial analysis of new plastic bathware line. Analysis of plastics versus metal, and recommendation for production.

Investment Search

Oil & Gas Equipment
TRU examined market potential for oil & gas production equipment and competitively positioned manufacturers. TRU ranked investment prospects based on investor's criteria. Conducted preliminary evaluations of target companies, arranged introductions and participated in negotiations.

Plant Bankable Feasibility

Magnesium Extrusion and High Pressure Die Casting Plant
TRU undertook a bankable feasibility study of a magnesium Extrusion and High Pressure Die Casting Plant as part of a magnesium metal smelting and alloy smelter. This involved the TRU technical and business team designing and specifying all aspects of the plant. A full business plan requiring bankable feasibility accuracy was prepared. Ç: for more information on TRU magnesium capability

Iron Ore Processing Options and Potential

Huge Magnetite Iron Ore Stockpile Exploitation
TRU staff evaluated options for the development of a huge high grade stockpile of iron ore that had accumulated over about eighty years of copper mining. One major issue was the tramp elements contained in the iron ore and their removal. Examined processing and smelting options from iron ore, HBI, ingot and steel.

Mineralogical and Amenability Testing

Stockpile and in situ Oxide/Mixed Ore Copper Gold

TRU arranged and evaluated a series of bench-scale tests on an oxide ore from the Guelb Moghrein open pit in Akjoujt, Mauritania. The objective of the tests were to investigate the conditions for gold extractions exceeding 90% and the best dissolution of copper for economic reagent use.

Aluminum Smelter Construction Monitoring

Lender Reporting
TRU staff let the technical team monitoring construction of a major aluminum smelter. Freely examined all aspects of construction and reported monthly to the client bank on progress and any deviations from plans or expectations. Also assessed the financial model for the plant.

SX-EW Copper Plant & Mine Financing

Operations Turn-around & Start-up
TRU assisted an American de-listed mining & metals company in obtaining financing to restart copper production at its SX-EW [solvent extraction - electrowinning] copper plant and adjacent mine. Also involved zinc and rutile operations. Evaluated, prepared investor documents, and conducted an investor search.

Coal Mine Output Product Assessment

Coal Quality Evaluation
TRU assessed local coal resource, coal mining issues and mining costs. Evaluated coal amenability for the production of blast furnace coke and the production of coal gas. : see also TRU Energy assignments on coal coking and coal gasification for the production of clean gas.

Country Mining Sector Reviews

Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe
TRU staff assessed mining and metal investment opportunities in mainly three central African countries for a foreign agency. Reported on mineral sector development. Also routinely wrote reviews of the sector for the local and world industry players.