By JOHN MUTUAMore by this AuthorAustralian mining firm Base Resources exported titanium products worth Sh5.5 billion from its Kwale mine in the first quarter ended March, a 37.5 per cent increase compared to Sh4 billion in the same period last year. The sales surge was driven by higher prices for titanium (rutile, ilmenite and zircon) in the global market, with the price for a tonne rising to $314 (Sh31,400) from $258 (Sh25,800). The company sold 176,075 tonnes of titanium, a 13.3 per cent increase from 155,327 tonnes. Ilmenite and rutile are the leading titanium components produced by the Australian firm. Production levels, however, fell by about three per cent to 142,430 tonnes from 146,161 tonnes, marked by zero production of Zircon low grade in the quarter.

Source: Daily Nation April 18, 2018 18:33 UTC