Iluka Reports Zircon Production Drop, Advances Eneabba Rare Earth Refinery Project

Published: Jul 30, 2026 10:10

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[SMM Rare Earth Express] Australian heavy mineral producer Iluka Resources released its April-June quarterly report, showing that due to the slower-than-expected capacity ramp-up at the Balranald mine, the company's zircon production dropped 30% YoY to 26,000 mt. However, as zircon prices rebounded from lows, the company drew on inventory to support sales, with zircon sales up 43% YoY. In rare earths business, the construction progress of Iluka's Eneabba rare earth refinery in Western Australia was approaching 60%. The project has a designed annual capacity of 23,000 mt and a total investment budget of A$1.8 billion, of which A$1.1 billion (approximately $770 million) has been invested. It is expected to commence production in mid-2027. Once completed, the refinery will be able to process both light and heavy rare earths, producing key elements for permanent magnetic materials such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, and is expected to enhance Australia's processing capacity in the global rare earth supply chain.

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