A determining factor in the development of the reduction process was the addition of an ore refinement step prior to smelting. In 1954, the beneficiation plant was built, where the ore would be crushed into smaller pieces to remove even more gangue, and then roasted in rotary furnaces to reduce the sulphur content.

In 1982, a magnetic separation process was implemented to even further improve the refinement process. The result was a richer titanium slag, with nearly 10% higher levels of iron and titanium oxides. The superior quality of SORELSLAG^® slag strengthened QIT’s position in this market.

Known for the high purity of its products, QIT strives to constantly improve the refinement process and other techniques in order to maintain its stronghold on the market. A higher concentration of ore prior to smelting results in a higher quality product: a new crusher acquired in 2000 at the beneficiation plant grinds the ore more finely, thus providing an even purer titanium slag.