Iluka continues apace

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Mineral sands miner Iluka has reported another solid quarter of production for the three months to September, with mineral sands production increasing to 289 100 t, from 265 300 t in the previous quarter.

Zircon production increased slightly from 101 300 t in the June quarter, to 106 300 t in the September quarter, while rutile production decreased from 31 400 t to 29 000 t, and synthetic rutile production increased from 49 800 t to 56 700 t.

Year-to-date heavy mineral concentrate production came to 317 000 t, with 782 000 t of heavy mineral concentrate processed during the September quarter, reflecting the company’s strategy to draw down inventory.

Year-to-date mineral sands sales increased to 451 600 t, generating revenues of A$472.6-million, which compared with the 415 000 t sold in the previous corresponding period and revenues of A$535.6-million.

Iluka said on Thursday that the lower sales revenue reflected lower zircon prices during the year-to-date, as well as a greater proportion of rutile and synthetic rutile in the sales mix.

Mining and concentrating activities at the Jacinth-Ambrosia operations, in South Australia, remained suspended, while the Hamilton and Narngulu operations, in Victoria and Western Australia respectively, continued to operate as planned at about 50% to 60% of capacity.

Iluka is planning to temporarily cease production of at lease one of its mineral separation plants in early November, over the Christmas period.