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| Foreword |
| Australia has substantial rutile and ilmenite resources, with a world ranking of 1 and 2, respectively, and accounts for around 86 per cent of world synthetic rutile production. Australia’s exports of rutile, ilmenite and synthetic rutile were valued at around $0.7 billion in 2006-07. Rutile and synthetic rutile are used in the production of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4), a key input in the titanium metal industry. The main objective in this study is to examine the role of government in supporting the TiRO/CSIRO R&D project and the potential development of a titanium metal industry in Australia. In recent years, CSIRO has developed the TiRO process to produce titanium powder. The next stage in the TiRO/CSIRO R&D project is to invest in a pilot plant, likely to be located in Western Australia in close proximity to major resource deposits and related processing facilities. In general, policy intervention to encourage technology research, development and demonstration can be justified on economic efficiency grounds. Should the government decide to invest in the TiRO pilot plant project, this is likely to enhance prospects for the development of a titanium metal industry in Australia. This study was undertaken by ABARE for the Australian Government Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. |
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| Phillip Glyde Executive Director March 2008 |