Iluka and RareX Partner on Kenya’s Mrima Hill Rare Earths Project

RareX

Iluka and RareX rare earths partnership

Iluka and RareX rare earths partnership marks a significant step in securing sustainable feedstock for Australia’s Eneabba refinery. Iluka Resources and RareX announced a strategic alliance to develop Kenya’s Mrima Hill rare earth and niobium project, aiming to support Iluka’s downstream processing plans.

The Mrima Hill site, owned by the Kenyan government, may supply critical materials to Iluka’s 23,000 t/yr Eneabba rare earth oxide refinery in Western Australia. The Eneabba refinery is currently under construction, with initial feedstock sourced from Iluka’s domestic concentrate stockpile.

Securing Offtake and Joint Venture Rights in Kenya

Iluka and RareX formed a consortium with plans to operate Mrima Hill as a joint venture with Kenya’s state-owned National Mining Corporation (NAMICO). The deal includes a binding offtake term sheet, granting Iluka exclusive rights to purchase all rare earth and heavy mineral products at a 10% discount.

However, the agreement is contingent on government approval and commercial-scale production. Iluka currently holds a 25% stake in the consortium, and will pay RareX $10 million upon receipt of the mining license.

Expanding Iluka’s Rare Earth Feedstock Strategy

Iluka and RareX rare earths partnership adds international supply diversity to Iluka’s refining roadmap. The Eneabba plant will initially run on a 1 million tonne stockpile but aims to supplement it with external sources like Mrima Hill and Browns Range.

Iluka also signed a rare earth concentrate agreement with Northern Minerals for 30,500 tonnes from the Browns Range project. Additionally, Iluka is developing domestic mining capacity to produce 20,000 t/yr of concentrates in the future.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This Iluka and RareX rare earths partnership reflects growing global urgency to diversify rare earth supply chains beyond China. With government approval, Mrima Hill could become a vital node in Australia’s downstream rare earth production strategy.

Iluka Rare Earths Offtake Secures Automotive Demand for Eneabba Refinery

Iluka

Iluka rare earths offtake has moved into a binding agreement with an unnamed global automotive company, giving the Australian producer long-term demand visibility for magnet materials including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium.

Iluka rare earths offtake will begin in 2028 and run for an initial four years under a take-or-pay structure. The agreement covers 1,200t of rare earth oxides, equal to about 10% of Iluka’s planned production over the period.

Iluka rare earths offtake is strategically important because it links future Australian rare earth output directly to the automotive magnet supply chain. The pricing structure also gives Iluka downside protection, with sales priced at the higher of minimum or market-linked values for each product.

The agreement strengthens the commercial case for Iluka’s Eneabba rare earths refinery in Western Australia, which is now more than 50% complete and scheduled for commissioning in mid-2027.

Take-or-Pay Structure Strengthens Project Bankability

The four-year take-or-pay structure gives Iluka greater revenue visibility ahead of Eneabba’s start-up. This is especially important in rare earth markets, where volatile prices and uncertain demand can complicate project financing.

The agreement covers both light and heavy rare earths. Neodymium and praseodymium are core inputs for NdFeB permanent magnets, while dysprosium and terbium improve magnet performance at elevated temperatures.

These materials are critical for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, industrial motors, robotics and other high-performance applications. Automotive customers increasingly want long-term access to non-China rare earth supply.

The minimum-price mechanism is also important. It reduces exposure to severe price weakness and helps protect project economics against periods of market oversupply or aggressive Chinese pricing.

This model is becoming more common across strategic minerals. Buyers gain secure supply, while producers gain demand certainty and a clearer financing case.

Eneabba Builds Australia’s Downstream Rare Earth Position

Iluka’s 23,000 t/yr Eneabba refinery is central to Australia’s effort to move beyond mineral extraction and into rare earth separation and refining.

Export Finance Australia has confirmed access to a A$1.65bn non-recourse federal government loan for the project. The refinery’s total capital estimate remains at A$1.7bn-1.8bn.

The scale of government support shows how strategically important downstream rare earth processing has become. Australia has strong mineral resources, but long-term value depends on converting those resources into separated oxides that magnet and industrial customers can use.

Construction firm Civmec has been awarded work covering structural, mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation activities. With the project already more than halfway complete, execution risk is now shifting from financing toward construction, commissioning and product qualification.

If Eneabba starts on schedule, Iluka could become an important non-China supplier of both light and heavy rare earth oxides. The automotive offtake agreement gives the refinery an early anchor customer and strengthens its route to market.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Iluka’s agreement shows that rare earth diversification is becoming commercially real when long-term offtake, price protection and government finance align. Eneabba’s strategic value lies in supplying qualified NdPr, dysprosium and terbium outside the China-dominated refining chain.

Iluka Heavy Minerals Output Beats 2025 Guidance Despite Ongoing Market Weakness

Iluka Resources

Iluka heavy minerals output exceeded guidance in 2025 despite a weak mineral sands market. The company produced about 559,100t of zircon, rutile, and synthetic rutile. That result rose 13pc from 2024. As a result, Iluka heavy minerals output showed stronger operational control than the market expected.

Optimised processing of remnant materials supported the stronger result. Iluka lifted heavy minerals production by 14pc year on year and 25pc quarter on quarter in October-December. This happened even after the company idled its SR2 synthetic rutile facility in December. Therefore, Iluka heavy minerals output benefited from better plant performance rather than stronger market conditions.

Zircon Market Outlook Still Depends on Demand Recovery

The zircon market outlook remains fragile despite Iluka’s stronger production. Heavy minerals sales reached 474,900t in 2025, nearly flat from the prior year. That means stronger output did not translate into stronger volume growth. Consequently, the market still faces a demand problem.

Pricing also reflects that weakness. Iluka said its weighted average zircon sand price fell in the fourth quarter. Softer premium-grade zircon prices in China pulled values lower. Meanwhile, the company still views current mineral sands prices as unsustainably low. That suggests margin pressure remains across the sector.

However, Iluka still sees a possible rebound in zircon demand after the lunar new year. That view matters because several competitors are already under pressure. Some have faced losses, halted output, or started restructuring. Therefore, any demand recovery could quickly change market sentiment.

Balranald Mine Ramp-Up Adds a New Growth Lever

Balranald mine ramp-up is becoming the next important part of Iluka’s story. Mining has already started, and ore extraction rates are yielding good early results. The company plans to ramp up the mine through the first half of 2026. As a result, Balranald could support future production stability.

Iluka is also continuing to invest heavily in growth projects. Capital spending will continue at both Balranald and the Eneabba rare earths refinery. The company expects 2026 capital expenditure of A$862mn. Therefore, Iluka is positioning itself for longer-term value, not just near-term output.

The restart option for SR2 also adds flexibility. Iluka said it may restart the facility in 2026 under favorable market conditions. That gives management another lever if pricing improves. Consequently, the company enters 2026 with stronger optionality than many peers.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Iluka’s result shows that operational execution can still outperform a weak market. However, stronger output alone cannot fix low pricing across mineral sands. The real upside now depends on demand recovery and disciplined supply response.

Australian Government Provides Additional Funding for Iluka's Eneabba Rare Earth Plant

Iluka Resources

The Australian government has pledged up to A$400 million ($257 million) in additional funding to support Iluka Resources’ Eneabba rare earth refinery project in Western Australia. The facility aims to bolster Australia’s presence in the critical minerals supply chain amid rising global demand.

Addressing Cost Uncertainties in Eneabba Project

Iluka Resources, a leading mining firm, initially secured an A$1.25 billion loan facility from the Australian government in April 2022 to finance the Eneabba refinery. However, escalating construction costs—now estimated at A$1.7-1.8 billion—created a funding shortfall. To bridge the gap, the government has approved an additional A$400 million loan, contingent on Iluka securing customer offtake agreements and utilizing its existing credit facilities.

The support package also includes A$75 million for a cost overrun facility, with Iluka agreeing to contribute an equal amount, although the company indicated it might not need to draw on this capital.

Iluka’s refinery, set to commence operations in 2027, will produce 12,100-18,400 tonnes per year of rare earth oxides, including neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr)—key components for electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and other green technologies.

Policy Support and Industry Expansion

The announcement aligns with Australia’s broader strategy to strengthen its critical minerals sector. Last week, the Australian Parliament passed the Future Made in Australia package, which provides funding incentives for domestic mineral processing. Under this framework, Iluka can claim tax incentives worth 10% of its processing costs once the refinery begins operations.

Currently, Australia has only one operational rare earth refinery, Lynas Rare Earths’ Kalgoorlie plant, but the government is actively encouraging new entrants. The move comes as global demand for rare earth elements like praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium is projected to rise significantly by 2033.

Geopolitical Context

Iluka’s funding boost comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions. China recently suspended exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the US, a retaliatory move against US semiconductor export restrictions. Such disruptions underscore the importance of diversifying critical mineral supply chains, a goal Australia aims to achieve by expanding its domestic refining capacity.

Iluka Raises Zircon Concentrate Production as Tariffs Reshape Demand

Iluka Resource

Iluka raises zircon concentrate production by 118% to 59,900t in January–June. Iluka raises zircon concentrate production to just shy of its 60,000t 2025 target. Iluka raises zircon concentrate production again in July–December with a planned 30,000t, then minimal output in 2026.

Iluka must accelerate zircon sand to hit 165,000t this year. First-half sand output reached 71,800t, below a halfway mark. However, Cataby grades weakened in the period, curbing volumes and raising second-half execution risk.

Tariffs cloud zircon sales, rutile holds steady

Tariff uncertainty now weighs on sales and guidance. US zircon imports face a 10% duty, while South African zircon faces 30% from 1 August. As a result, Iluka withheld detailed third-quarter sales guidance. First-half zircon sales fell 10% to 96,800t, while concentrate sales rose 144% to 61,400t.

Rutile operations proved more stable than zircon. Iluka produced 35,600t of rutile and 113,100t of synthetic rutile in the half. Synthetic rutile rose 19% as the kiln ran at full capacity. Meanwhile, shipments fell on scheduling, not demand, with a ramp expected in July–December. US tariffs exempt rutile, synthetic rutile, and rare earth oxides.

Rare earths pipeline advances: Eneabba, Balranald, Wimmera

Iluka advances its downstream rare earths strategy. Eneabba’s refinery remains slated for 2027, with site works underway and financing pending. Balranald construction has begun, targeting a start in the second half of 2025. Wimmera’s definitive feasibility study progresses, aided by an April pact with RareX for Kenyan feedstock.

Iluka’s mix shifts as market conditions evolve. Concentrate output peaks in 2025 before winding down in 2026. Therefore, delivery now hinges on zircon sand execution and rare earths milestones.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Tariffs are redistributing zircon trade flows rather than crushing demand. Iluka’s near-term hedge is strong synthetic rutile and a progressing rare earths chain. Watch Cataby grade recovery and Eneabba financing, which will determine 2026–2027 earnings quality.

Australia's Iluka Predicts Increased Rare Earth Demand by 2033

iluka resources

According to Tom O'Leary, CEO of Australian mineral producer Iluka Resources, the evolving global demand driven by renewable energy technologies is expected to significantly increase the consumption of neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium by 2033. O'Leary shared these insights at the International Rare Earth Industry Association's annual conference in Tokyo, Japan, last week.

Iluka anticipates that the ongoing transition to renewable energy, particularly through electric vehicles (EVs) and wind power, will continue to drive the demand for rare earth materials over the next decade. O'Leary stated that global demand for praseodymium-neodymium and dysprosium/terbium is projected to rise from 63,000 tons per year (t/yr) in 2023 to between 93,000 and 171,000 t/yr by 2033. Specifically, the consumption of dysprosium/terbium is expected to grow from 1,100 t/yr to between 1,900 and 5,100 t/yr during this period.

In the EV sector alone, the demand for praseodymium-neodymium is expected to increase from 12,000 t/yr in 2023 to between 33,000 and 62,000 t/yr by 2033. Similarly, the EV sector's demand for dysprosium and terbium is likely to rise from 500 t/yr to between 1,300 and 3,000 t/yr over the same timeframe.

The wind power sector is also expected to see a significant rise in praseodymium-neodymium consumption, projected to grow from 6,000 t/yr in 2023 to 26,000 t/yr by 2033. The demand for dysprosium and terbium in this sector is anticipated to increase from 200 t/yr to between 300 and 1,600 t/yr.

Other application fields, including automotive, consumer electronics, industrial applications, and home appliances, are forecasted to consume between 53,000 and 83,000 t/yr of praseodymium-neodymium by 2033, up from 45,000 t/yr in 2023. The consumption of dysprosium and terbium in these fields is expected to grow from 300 t/yr to between 400 and 600 t/yr during the same period.

Iluka predicts that by 2030, 35% of global demand for dysprosium and terbium will come from e-mobility sectors, and 20% from wind power. "The global supply of dysprosium and terbium in 2030 is projected to fall short of total demand," O'Leary noted. "Iluka's Eneabba refinery is expected to account for more than half of the supply outside China once it starts commercial production by 2025."

Iluka, which produces zircon, ilmenite, and rutile in Australia and Sierra Leone, aims to achieve an annual output capacity of up to 23,000 t/yr of rare earth oxide (REO), including 5,500 t/yr of praseodymium-neodymium oxide and 725 t/yr of dysprosium and terbium oxide from its refinery, supported by a $1.25 billion non-recourse loan from the Australian government.

The company has also signed an initial agreement with rare earths developer Northern Minerals to supply concentrate to Iluka's Eneabba refinery, set to commence production in 2025-26. This agreement includes the provision of 30,500 t of rare earth concentrates from Northern Minerals' Browns Range project, with an annual supply of 5,000 t for the first four years.

Iluka has a secure supply of heavy rare earths from stockpiles at its Eneabba refinery and additional supply options from its Balranald project and Wimmera deposits in New South Wales and Victoria. The Eneabba refinery can be supplied for five years with its stockpile of 1 million t of high-grade rare earth concentrate, readily available at the surface. The Balranald project is expected to deliver an additional 5,000 t/yr of rare earth concentrate from 2026. Feasibility studies are ongoing at the Wimmera deposit, which has the potential to supply 15,000 t/yr of rare earth concentrates over a mine life exceeding 25 years.

Tronox Zircon Sand Prices Rise as China Faces Higher Third-Quarter Import Costs

Tronox

Tronox zircon sand prices have increased for third-quarter deliveries to China as higher mining input costs and delivery expenses push exporters to raise offers. The US-based titanium dioxide and zircon producer lifted prices for both Australian-origin and South African-origin zircon sand.

Tronox zircon sand prices for 66% grade Australian-origin material rose by $225/t from the April-June quarter to $1,950-1,975/t cif China. South African-origin material also increased by $225/t to $1,935-1,955/t cif China.

Tronox zircon sand prices are important because China remains a major importer and processor of zircon sand and concentrates. Higher import costs can quickly feed into domestic zirconium chemicals, ceramics, refractories and zirconium-titanium beneficiation markets.

The move also raises expectations that Iluka Resources may increase third-quarter export offers to China. Iluka’s heavy minerals output fell sharply in the first quarter, tightening expectations around premium supply.

Higher Export Offers Reflect Cost and Supply Pressure

Tronox cited continued inflation in key inputs across its global mining operations, along with rising delivery costs. These pressures are now being passed into third-quarter zircon sand offers.

The increase comes as supply from major producers remains under scrutiny. Iluka produced 47,600t of heavy minerals in the first quarter, down sharply from 130,700t a year earlier.

Lower output from major suppliers can strengthen sellers’ pricing power, especially when buyers need consistent quality from established origins such as Australia and South Africa.

China’s import data also show a tighter year-on-year supply picture. Imports of zircon sand and concentrates fell by 18% in January-March to 498,703t.

March imports reached 156,526t, down 23% from a year earlier but up 30% from February. Australia, South Africa and Nigeria were the top suppliers during the month.

This mixed import pattern shows that Chinese buyers are still active, but overall availability has weakened compared with last year. That gives overseas miners more room to lift offers.

Chinese Domestic Prices Move Higher Ahead of New Contracts

Domestic Chinese zircon sand prices have also been rising since mid-March. Prices for 65% grade zircon sand reached 9,800-10,000 yuan/t ex-works with value-added tax unpaid.

This domestic increase reflects anticipation of higher third-quarter export offers from overseas mining companies. Zirconium-titanium beneficiation producers have already lifted offers in response.

The price movement matters for downstream users. Zircon sand is a key feedstock for ceramics, foundry applications, refractories, zirconium chemicals and specialty materials.

Higher zircon sand costs can squeeze processors if downstream demand does not fully absorb the increase. But if supply remains tight, buyers may have limited ability to resist higher offers.

For China, the market is increasingly dependent on imported material from Australia, South Africa and other producing countries. That import reliance makes domestic pricing sensitive to overseas mining costs, freight and output discipline.

The third-quarter pricing round will therefore be a key test. If Iluka follows Tronox with higher offers, Chinese processors may face a broader reset in zircon feedstock costs.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Tronox’s price increase shows that zircon sand is moving with the same logic affecting many industrial minerals: higher costs, tighter supply and stronger producer discipline. China’s processors may accept higher prices if major suppliers align, but downstream demand will decide how much of the increase can be passed through.

Iluka Cataby rutile pause underscores weak pigment demand

Iluka

The Iluka Cataby rutile pause highlights how weak pigment demand is reshaping global heavy mineral supply. Iluka Resources will halt mining at Cataby and pause its nearby synthetic rutile kiln in Western Australia. The Iluka Cataby rutile pause begins on 1 December and responds directly to subdued titanium dioxide pigment demand. As a result, Iluka prioritises flexibility and can restart operations quickly if rutile demand improves.

Iluka Cataby rutile pause shifts production toward zircon and new projects

The Iluka Cataby rutile pause redirects attention to the group’s other Australian mineral sands assets. Iluka will suspend the 225,000 t per year SR2 kiln for six months from December. It will also halt Cataby mining for one year while maintaining restart readiness at both sites. Meanwhile, Iluka keeps its 350,000 t per year Jacinth Ambrosia zircon mine running in South Australia. The company also continues commissioning at Balranald, a next generation project due online in late 2025.

Weak pigment market pressures rutile and zircon producers

Weak pigment demand lies at the core of the Iluka Cataby rutile pause and similar industry cutbacks. High interest rates, macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitics weigh on construction and coatings activity worldwide. Iluka notes particularly soft demand linked to real estate weakness, which curbs titanium dioxide pigment consumption. As a result, producers adjust output to protect margins rather than chase volumes in an oversupplied market.

Other heavy mineral producers face similar pressure as rutile and zircon prices struggle to hold recent gains. Some Chinese zirconium titanium operations suspended output in mid July as pricing and demand turned less attractive. US titanium dioxide producer Troxon also closed a 90,000 t per year pigment plant in March. Therefore, the Iluka Cataby rutile pause fits a broader trend of rationalising pigment related mineral capacity.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Iluka’s decision shows how even tier one mineral sands assets must flex output when downstream demand underperforms. If pigment markets stabilise and construction recovers, current curtailments could tighten rutile availability faster than expected. Market participants should watch Balranald’s ramp up and any restart signals from Cataby for early cycle indicators.

Australia’s Thunderbird zircon mine financial support targets debt deadlines amid weak demand

Thunderbird Zr mine

Australia’s Thunderbird zircon mine financial support is arriving to protect working capital and debt compliance. Sheffield Resources and Yansteel will invest A$6.5 million into their Kimberley Mineral Sands venture. The funding supports operations at the Thunderbird mine as zircon demand weakens. Therefore, Australia’s Thunderbird zircon mine financial support is tightly linked to lender obligations.

The venture must make repayments by 31 December to two lenders. The lenders include Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and creditor Orion Resource Partners. Meanwhile, the partners are negotiating deferrals or credit restructures. However, the company says success is not guaranteed.

Loan packages and royalties raise pressure as zircon demand softens

The venture secured major loan facilities in 2022. NAIF opened an A$160 million facility, while Orion opened a $110 million facility. Both loans are secured against Thunderbird assets and guaranteed by the owners. As a result, any covenant stress can spill back to shareholders.

Orion’s financing includes a 1.6% royalty on sales tied to up to 8.2 million tonnes per year of ore. Meanwhile, revenue pressure rises when zircon prices weaken. Therefore, Australia’s Thunderbird zircon mine financial support aims to keep liquidity stable through a demand slump.

Ramp plans remain, but the market is forcing price and output discipline

Thunderbird’s operating metrics show scale and ramp ambition. KMS mined 10.4 million tonnes of ore and produced 740,666 tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate in FY2024–FY2025. The venture began processing in late 2023 and shipped first zircon in January 2024. It plans to ramp to 220,000–240,000 tonnes per year of zircon concentrate and 900,000–950,000 tonnes per year of ilmenite concentrate by July–September 2027.

Yansteel is also tightening offtake support for the project. It agreed to buy all unsold zircon concentrate at a fixed price. It also holds a 100% ilmenite concentrate offtake agreement. As a result, commercial backing offsets some spot market weakness.

Zircon producers are cutting export prices to China because demand is soft. Meanwhile, Iluka Resources will pause its Cataby mine for one year from 1 December. Iluka’s zircon concentrate sales fell 45% year on year in July–September. Therefore, the downturn is regional and structural, not project-specific.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Mineral sands projects can ramp volumes, but they cannot ramp demand. Meanwhile, debt timing forces hard choices when zircon prices fall. Therefore, Thunderbird’s next milestone is financial flexibility, not nameplate capacity.

Iluka Resources Reduces Heavy Mineral Production in 2024 Amid Global Economic Slowdown

Iluka Resources

Iluka Resources, an Australian mining company, has reported a 22% decline in its combined output of zircon, rutile, and synthetic rutile for 2024. The company produced 496,200 tons of heavy minerals, a drop from the previous year despite an increase in production during the October-December quarter. Several factors contributed to this decrease, including slowdowns in construction, particularly in the United States, and a weakening demand for pigments. These market conditions led to reduced demand for Iluka’s key products in both the zircon and rutile markets.

Declining Demand in Key Markets Contributes to Reduced Output

Zircon production saw the most significant drop, falling by 31% to 277,200 tons, primarily due to reduced demand from Chinese and U.S. ceramics manufacturers. Additionally, seasonal weaknesses in the European ceramics market further impacted production levels. During the fourth quarter, zircon output also decreased by 29% despite a slight overall increase in heavy mineral production.

Synthetic rutile production similarly faced a downturn, with a 19% decrease in overall output to 211,200 tons. This reduction followed a slower construction sector in the U.S., which dampened pigment demand. Although production picked up in the fourth quarter, especially for synthetic rutile, Iluka had to pause operations at two Western Australia rutile plants in October 2023 due to weak demand and scheduled maintenance.

Outlook for 2025: A Modest Production Forecast Amid Uncertainty

Looking ahead to 2025, Iluka has set a cautious output guidance of 495,000 tons of heavy minerals, lower than 2024’s production figures. This forecast includes 270,000 tons of rutile and synthetic rutile and 225,000 tons of zircon. The company attributes this conservative projection to ongoing global economic uncertainties and slower-than-expected recovery in demand from key markets.

Despite these challenges, Iluka remains hopeful that changes in global trade, particularly increased tariffs on Chinese imports to Europe, could drive higher demand for rutile among Western pigment producers in the coming year.