Aim-listed Kazera Global says operations at its Whale Head Minerals (WHM) heavy mineral sands (HMS) project, in South Africa, continue to progress well, with new processing infrastructure commissioned and product sales continuing under an existing offtake agreement with Fujax South Africa.

Interest from a specialist garnet offtake partner further supports the commercial potential of WHM's multi-mineral resource, while additional technology options are being evaluated to support scalable future growth, the company points out in an operational update for the project.

Twelve double-stage spirals, used to improve separation efficiency and concentrate quality, have now been successfully installed at the WHM site.

Delivered on time and within budget, the spirals represent a key upgrade to the processing plant, Kazera highlights.

The spirals are being fine-tuned to optimise performance.

The system has been designed with a removable feed bin, offering flexibility to add additional spirals, sand cyclones or sluice decks as production requirements evolve.

Initial testing has shown significant improvements in titanium dioxide (TiO₂) content across the processing stages.

The final concentrate is now exceeding the 24% TiO₂ threshold typically required to meet market specifications.

WHM is working with two mineral processing equipment providers, that are conducting detailed tests to help guide long-term optimisation of the plant.

Early results from both have been very positive, Kazera says.

Additionally, a company focused on garnet offtake attended recent tests and has expressed strong interest in the quality of WHM's garnet production, the company highlights.

Discussions are under way regarding a potential partnership, under which the garnet company will supply an additional set of spirals at its own cost to facilitate targeted garnet extraction and the removal of further silica.

This would reduce that company’s transport costs, while improving the overall quality of WHM's end product.

WHM is also in discussions with a company offering a sluice-type separation system.

Initial trials, particularly in relation to zircon recovery, have been promising, Kazera says.

Further laboratory testing is under way, with results expected in the coming weeks.

The system offers high throughput and a significantly lower capital cost than traditional spiral installations, making it a potentially valuable option for scalable, cost-efficient expansion in the future.

WHM continues to demonstrate its value as both a revenue-generating operation and a platform for future expansion, Kazera states.

The company's mining right application for the adjacent 2A concession remains under review with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

"WHM continues to perform strongly, both operationally and commercially. The successful installation of the spiral circuit and growing interest from a specialist garnet partner, highlight the quality and versatility of the resource.

“With further testing under way and scalable technology options being explored, we believe WHM is well placed to deliver long-term value. The technical success of this project is a very positive indicator of the value of the potential represented by the long-awaited mining right over 2A, which has the initial potential to be 34 times bigger than the current project,” says CEO Dennis Edmonds.