Construction started on CYMG titanium slag smelting plant

Bateman Engineering has completed the process test work and majority of the basic design for Yunnan Xinli Nonferrous Metals Co. Ltd for their new titanium slag smelting plant to be constructed in Yunnan, China. Earthworks for the plant have commenced and construction is due to start in mid 2007, with the aim to start full scale production in the third quarter of 2008. Yunnan Xinli’s parent company is the China Yunnan Metallurgical Group (CYMG).

The USD4 million contract awarded to Bateman Engineering covers the basic engineering of the entire plant, as well as assistance with the detailed engineering of the furnace and control system. The plant will produce high-grade titanium dioxide (TiO₂) slag from ilmenite utilising DC-arc furnace smelting technology in a 30 MW furnace. The plant is being designed for possible retro-fitting of a pre-heater to pre-heat the ilmenite feed using furnace offgas as a fuel. This will maximise energy efficiency of the process and enable production of 100,000 t/yr.

Bateman Engineering will also provide technical assistance during construction, commissioning and operator training. The project is the first to be carried out by the company in China.

For further information, please contact Ted Fulton, Bateman Manager, Pyrometallurgy, on +27-11-899-2376 or email pyrometallurgy@BatemanEngineering.com.