April 19, 2022

Global critical minerals producer Iluka Resources, joins REIA

Iluka Resources (Iluka) is a leading global producer of the critical minerals, zircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks. The company has also established a significant position in rare earth elements, recently announcing the final investment decision for a fully integrated rare earths refinery to be built at Eneabba, Western Australia. The decision was taken following the completion of a feasibility study and the agreement of a risk sharing agreement with the Australian Government.

Eneabba is the highest-grade rare earths operation globally. The existing stockpile will supply the initial feedstock to Iluka’s refinery. Beyond Eneabba, the state-of-the-art design will also enable the flexibility to process rare earths from third party suppliers, maximising throughput and supply of these critical minerals.

The refinery will initially produce 17,500 tonnes per annum of separated rare earth oxides, including the high value oxides neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium. Construction is due to commence in the second half of the year.

Tom O’Leary, Managing Director of Iluka Resources, commented:
“Iluka Resources is pleased to join REIA and support the continued development of the rare earths industry. Iluka’s development of a fully integrated rare earths refinery in Western Australia, will see Eneabba become a strategic hub for the downstream processing of Australia’s rare earth resources. The refinery has been designed specifically to have the capacity to be globally material, the capability to process both Iluka’s feedstocks and those held by third parties. Being a part of REIA further supports Iluka’s efforts to work collaboratively with other rare earths companies and downstream producers.”

Dr Badrinath Veluri, President of REIA, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Iluka Resources as our new member. Australia’s role in developing the critical materials value chain is crucial. Iluka’s recent announcement to build the RE upstream processing is very encouraging. We wish them all the best in their grand initiatives and look forward to working with Iluka.”