The Farmsitters 2 Group

Titanium ore primarily refers to the minerals from which the metal titanium is extracted, with the two most economically significant sources being ilmenite and rutile. Ilmenite (FeTiO₃) is a black, iron-bearing mineral and is the most abundant and widely mined titanium ore, accounting for the vast majority of global production. Rutile (TiO₂), on the other hand, is a naturally occurring form of titanium dioxide with a brilliant metallic to adamantine luster and is less common but significantly richer in titanium content. These ores are found in primary hard rock deposits, such as igneous formations called anorthosite, but are most often mined from secondary "placer" deposits. These placer deposits are concentrated by wind and water action over millennia in beach and dune sands, making coastal mining a major source, particularly in Australia, South Africa, and Canada.

The primary driver for mining titanium ore is not the metal itself, but its oxide. Over 95% of all titanium ore is processed into titanium dioxide (TiO₂), a brilliant white pigment that is non-toxic, chemically stable, and provides exceptional opacity. This pigment is a fundamental ingredient in a vast array of products, most notably paints, coatings, and plastics, where it provides whiteness and brightness. It is also essential in paper manufacturing, cosmetics, and even foodstuffs as a colorant. The remaining ore, predominantly high-purity rutile, is processed to produce titanium metal via the complex and energy-intensive Kroll process. The resulting metal is prized for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, making it critical for aerospace components, high-performance marine and chemical processing equipment, and medical implants like joint replacements.