Titan Mining, a key player in the zinc concentrate market with its Empire State Mine in New York, is diversifying its operations by commencing the construction of a fully permitted commercial demonstration facility for natural flake graphite production. This strategic move positions Titan Mining to tap into the growing demand for graphite, a critical material in various industries, including electric vehicles and energy storage.
A visual representation of a graphite mine, showcasing the raw material that will be processed in the new facility.
The new facility is strategically located to leverage the existing infrastructure of the Empire State Mine’s zinc mill. With engineering work completed and procurement well underway, the commissioning of the facility is anticipated in the latter half of the year. Initially, the plant will process 60,000 tons of feed annually from the Kilbourne Project, yielding 1,000-1,200 tons of graphite concentrate per year. Titan Mining’s long-term vision includes scaling the production capability to 40,000 tons annually, which would significantly contribute to meeting the US demand for natural flake graphite.
| Metric | Initial Capacity | Target Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Feed Processed Annually | 60,000 tons | N/A |
| Graphite Concentrate Produced Annually | 1,000-1,200 tons | 40,000 tons |
The preliminary economic assessment for the Kilbourne Project is also slated for release in the second half of the year. Titan Mining plans to operate the demonstration facility to refine product qualifications and conduct comprehensive technical and economic studies. This approach ensures that the company can strategically scale production and secure offtake agreements before committing significant capital.
Another view of a mining operation, highlighting the industrial scale of resource extraction.
The construction of the facility is financially supported through equipment financing from the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (SLCIDA) and the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC). Titan CEO Don Taylor emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “This launch underscores the scalability and optionality of our district. Plans to produce both zinc and graphite on one site uniquely positions us to deliver critical materials from a single, fully permitted platform with established infrastructure.” This vision highlights the potential for Titan Mining to become a leading supplier of critical materials in the US.
