By: Ecofin agency

The global rutile market is projected to reach $6.4 billion by 2033, climbing from $4.2 billion in 2024. As historic African deposits face depletion, Malawi is emerging as a new exploration hub for this critical titanium raw material.

Australian junior miner Fortuna Metals announced the completion of its initial exploration work on the Mkanda and Kampini rutile projects in Malawi. The company collected 358 soil samples, which will be sent for analysis in South Africa, with initial results anticipated between November 2025 and January 2026. Drilling operations are underway to confirm mineralizations.

Fortuna is exploring in the same region as Sovereign Metals, which is developing the Kasiya project. Kasiya is valued at 1.8 billion tonnes grading 1% rutile, establishing it as the world's largest rutile deposit. Rio Tinto invested in Sovereign Metals in 2023 and now holds a 19.9% interest.

Rutile, the purest form of titanium dioxide, holds a strategic position in global industrial supply chains. Unlike ilmenite, industries can use rutile almost directly to produce titanium metal, which is valued in aerospace, defense, automotive, and medical devices.

Global supply of natural rutile faces decline as deposits in Sierra Leone and Kenya are progressively depleting. According to IMARC Group, growing demand from renewable energy, medical implants, automotive, and aerospace sectors is driving market expansion.

The Kasiya project's development would require an initial investment of $665 million. A January 2025 pre-feasibility study indicates the mine could deliver 246,000 tonnes of rutile annually over a 25-year lifespan.