The largest titanium reserve in the World, located in Paraguay

By Rocio Lubian

 Titanium is a very resistant and lightweight metal that has many applications and internationally its demand is increasing strongly. For a long time most geological studies were done in relation to the presence of titanium in Paraguay, but as of November 2010, this speculation has been confirmed with the discovery of a titanium reserve in the region of Alto Parana, believed to be the largest titanium reserve in the world

Happily, in Paraguay titanium is very common and is spread over the soil and stream sediment of practically all the eastern region and it is contained in a mineral called “ilmenite”, a titanium and iron oxide characterized by a black colour and commonly identified in the sands of our rivers and streams.

The first pilot plant for the extraction of titanium oxide in the district of Minga Porã, was inaugurated on August 5th, 2011, north-western region of Paraguay, border with Brazil. It is believed that with the production or exploitation of this ore, 5 to 10 million tons could be obtained per year with a potential life span of 100 years.

If the research that is being conducted results favourable, this project would reach a milestone in the history and development of Paraguay.