ADL Mining
Heavy minerals, or monazite-bearing sands, are found along the entire Brazilian coastline, with economically viable reserves primarily located in southern Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo. ADL Mining operates four strategic minerals essential to the global industry.
Ce · La · Nd · PO₄
Monazite is a rare earth phosphate mineral used as a raw material for the production of rare earth chlorides, as well as uranium and thorium. Currently recognized worldwide as a strategic material by governments, it is essential for modern electronics and the global energy transition.
Extraction is carried out from alluvial and heavy mineral sand deposits, using physical concentration processes such as gravitational, magnetic, and electrostatic separation.
ZrSiO₄
Zirconite is a zirconium silicate mineral, marketed in milled and micronized sand form for use in foundries, refractories, ceramic opacifiers, fine abrasives, and as a raw material for the production of zirconia (ZrO₂).
Zirconite is primarily extracted from heavy mineral sand deposits, often associated with ilmenite, rutile, and monazite. Processing involves physical separation methods for the concentration and purification of the mineral.
TiO₂
Rutile is a high-purity titanium dioxide (TiO₂) mineral. Its primary application is in the production of welding consumables and titanium-based alloys. Due to its high TiO₂ content, rutile enables more efficient industrial processes with lower waste generation, making it highly valued in international markets.
Rutile occurs in heavy mineral sand deposits and is extracted through open-pit mining methods, followed by high-efficiency physical separation processes.
FeTiO₃
Ilmenite is the predominant constituent of heavy mineral assemblages, typically ranging from 60% to 90%. As a result, its pricing is among the most sensitive in both domestic and international markets. It is the primary feedstock in the titanium production chain.
Ilmenite is primarily found in mineral sand deposits and igneous rocks. Mining is carried out using open-pit methods, with physical concentration through gravitational, magnetic, and electrostatic separation.
Following beneficiation, ilmenite is processed for TiO₂ production via the sulfate or chloride processes, and is also used as a feedstock for metallic titanium production.