ASM said detailed analysis by HANA AMT of 20kg of its titanium powder confirmed a purity of 99.918%, and that the novel metal process used had "significant environmental benefits".

The titanium was part of a 75kg run of titanium (Ti) metal powder successfully produced by ASM subsidiary Ziron Tech at a pilot plant in South Korea. The plant uses a patented reduction process which allows production of high-purity titanium metal, using 30% of the energy employed in standard titanium industry processes. 

ASM completed last November the acquisition of 95% of Ziron Tech, which has developed the patented low emission, high purity metal-refining technology.

The partners also plan to produce zirconium, rare earths and other critical materials.

ASM noted that it has signed a non-disclosure agreement with HANA AMT due to current negotiations towards an initial 1,500 tonne per year offtake agreement for titanium metal powder.

ASM managing director, David Woodall said, "This independent review of ASM's titanium metal powder is a great validation of our patented metal process, confirming the high purity and the environmental benefits of the metal ASM can produce for the manufacturing sector in Korea. We look forward to progressing negotiations and continuing discussions with other potential offtake and strategic partners during our time in Korea."

Ziron Tech also last August completed a first production run of neodymium (Nd) metal in its commercial pilot plant in South Korea.