Hawsons Iron is making bold strides in transforming iron ore processing with its focus on implementing a 100% dry processing circuit at its flagship Hawsons Iron Project in New South Wales. The company, valued at $14.23 million, is leading the charge in redefining iron ore production through innovation, setting the project apart from other Australian magnetite operations. This cutting-edge approach, overseen by independent engineering firm Stantec Australia and process specialists from Pitch Black Group, is gaining traction as a game-changer in the industry.

Hawsons Iron’s push for a dry processing circuit is driven by the unique geochemical and physical properties of the Hawsons ore, a key differentiator in a market increasingly focused on sustainable and efficient operations. The dry grinding circuit testwork program has already yielded “highly encouraging” results, affirming the project’s potential to optimize both technical and financial aspects of the operation. According to CEO Tom Revy, the ongoing work will not only enhance the project’s efficiency but will also have significant safety, environmental, and operational benefits, positioning Hawsons Iron as a leader in sustainable mining practices.

The project is also benefiting from a comprehensive mineral resource variability study, a critical component for refining the process flow sheet and advancing to a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) level. Preliminary findings show low mineralogical variation within the resource, which will result in stable and predictable power requirements, as well as consistent geochemical and physical properties during the first decade of mining. This bodes well for the project’s ability to produce a high-quality product that meets the growing demand for premium, low-impurity feedstock in the steel industry.

Hawsons Iron’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions aligns with global efforts to decarbonize the steel sector. The project’s high-grade iron ore concentrate is expected to command a premium price, making it highly competitive in the market despite fluctuations in iron ore spot pricing. The product’s low-impurity nature positions it as an essential component in steelmaking, where there is increasing demand for sustainable feedstock to help reduce carbon footprints.

The company is also nearing the final stage of the variability study, which will include metallurgical and recovery tests to confirm the resource's potential. Results from these tests will be integral in finalizing the project’s development plans. The complete findings are expected to be released in Q2 2025.

The Hawsons Iron Project’s approach to high-grade iron ore production, coupled with its unique dry processing method, is set to make a lasting impact on the global iron ore market. With continued advancements in technology and process optimization, the project is positioning itself to supply one of the world’s most sought-after iron ore concentrates, meeting both market demand and environmental goals.