ICI Australia and CSIRO have developed a novel process for extraction of zirconia from zircon sands. The two stage process involves a high temperature step and a wet chemical processing step. A pilot plant has been operating since November 1985 at CSIRO Division of Mineral Chemistry, Port Melbourne and construction of a full scale plant is planned at Kwinana, WA._x000D_
The plant has a high degree of flexibility and is capable of producing high purity zirconia up to about 99.99% and within specific particle size ranges. The products are being marketed by the joint company, 2-TECH Pty Ltd.