The article reports on estimation on production of titanium (TiO2) mineral concentrate across the world in 2017 and mentions import reliant for titanium metal sponge in the U.S. Topics discussed include increase in the price of ilmenite and rutile in the U.S., mineral sands processing facility constructed by mining firm Twin Pines Minerals LLC, and acquisition of mineral firm National Titanium Dioxide Company Ltd. by mineral firm Tronox Ltd.