ASM considers South Korean metals plant

Resources and technology firm Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) has agreed an initial deal to set up a strategic metals plant in South Korea's Ochang foreign investment zone with commercial production expected in mid-2022 of 5,200 t/yr.

The agreement with the Chungbuk provincial government and the Cheongju city government will see two research and pilot plant furnaces moved to the site for small-scale production of 500t of titanium powder, 40t of neodymium ferro-boron alloy and 22t of dysprosium this year, the company said.

ASM's Korean Metals Plant will supply strategic metals and rare earth alloy products to South Korean industries, producing around 2,200t of titanium powder, 1,900t of neodymium-ferro-boron, 72t of dysprosium and 110t of zirconium alloys next year at full production.

Metals produced during the pilot phase will be sold directly to targeted users. Offtake discussions are continuing with potential customers such as titanium product consumers and permanent magnet producers.

Discussions are continuing with South Korean investors and service providers towards their participation in the development of ASM's Dubbo mining project in New South Wales as part of an integrated mine-to-manufacturing strategy.

Prior to setting up a commercial plant, pre-sintered permanent magnets have been produced with properties and quality verified by the Korean Institute of Rare Metals, with 75 kg/d of titanium metal powder produced on a pilot scale with its suitability confirmed by 3D-printing metal parts producer Hana AMT.

By Angus Macmillan