Concentration and characterization of titanium minerals and zircon from the western Black Sea Coast sands of Turkey

Abstract

To date, no ilmenite, rutile and zircon deposits of commercial importance have been reported in Turkey. However, information from recent reconnaissance activities indicates the possibility of an economically viable heavy-mineral deposit in the vicinity of Ormanli, which is located northwest of Istanbul along Turkey's Black Sea Coast. Consequently, beach and sand-dune samples were collected from that area for additional analysis. Laboratory methodologies that were designed to simulate standard industrial heavy-mineral plant practices were used to analyze and evaluate the samples. Based on these analyses and current market needs, none of the deposits in the Ormanli ara qualify as a commercial heavy-mineral deposit.