IperionX finalises strategic acquisition of breakthrough titanium technologies

IperionX (ASX: IPX) has taken a significant step toward its goal of creating a leading global titanium-producing business by purchasing a suite of breakthrough technologies.

Already a major player in the sector, IperionX has successfully completed the acquisition of a large intellectual property (IP) portfolio to secure the exclusive commercial rights to several titanium technologies.

The acquisition of Blacksand Technology’s assets and IP provides IperionX with exclusive commercial rights to patents and proprietary technologies such as green rutile, alkaline roasting hydrolysis, hydrogen-assisted metallothermic reduction and hydrogen sintering and phase transformation.

Innovative supply chain

IperionX chief executive officer Taso Arima said the securing of the state-of-the-art technologies is a key plank in the development of an innovative ‘end-to-end’ American titanium supply chain solution.

That solution begins with upgrading the production of US titanium minerals to +99% titanium dioxide and extends to the production of high-performance, lower-cost titanium metal forged parts.

Mr Arima said this would allow the company to produce a large range of high-strength forged titanium alloys with class-leading sustainability and process energy efficiencies compared to current industry methods.

Significant advantages

The technologies provide significant advantages over the traditional Kroll process.

This includes lower energy consumption, lower capital intensity, faster production cycles, higher yields and the ability to use 100% recycled titanium scrap or upgraded titanium minerals as feedstock.

The new additions complement IperionX’s proprietary technologies, which negate the need for titanium metal sponge and ingot, allowing direct manufacturing of higher-value titanium products from the billet stage.

Exceeding standards

Mr Arima said IperionX’s aim is to scale these technologies at its titanium manufacturing campus in Virginia to manufacture high-performance titanium products that exceed benchmark quality standards.

In August 2024, the company successfully commissioned a new hydrogen-assisted metallothermic reduction (HAMR) furnace and delivered the first titanium deoxygenation production run in Virginia.

The successful titanium production cycle was a major milestone in the application of HAMR technology and demonstrated its commercial-scale capabilities.

Set up for growth

Along with developing its technological advantages, IperionX is cashed up for new growth.

The company received firm commitments in October to raise $100 million, which is being applied to ongoing development and operations at the Virginia campus, acquisition of further IP and general working capital and corporate purposes.

This followed the strong support it received for its growth plans when it completed a $50m placement in May.