Iluka Resources is set to build Australia's first fully integrated rare earths refinery for the production of separated rare earth oxides at Eneabba, Western Australia.

This development is fully funded under a risk sharing arrangement between Iluka and the Australian Government. The refinery will produce both light and heavy separated rare earth oxides and be capable of processing feedstocks from Iluka's portfolio and from a range of third-party suppliers. This includes both mineral sands and rare earths deposits.

Rare earths are among the key building blocks of an electrified economy. Iluka's refinery will establish Western Australia as a strategic hub for the downstream processing of rare earth resources.

Fluor was selected to perform engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCm) for the project. The awarded works include a further front-end engineering design, which will utilize our project delivery experience in optimizing execution plans, cost and schedule.

We will collaborate with Iluka to design fundamental aspects of the refinery, including cracking, leaching and purification, solvent extraction and product finishing circuits. Our Perth, Australia, office will lead the project, with support from our offices in New Delhi, Manila and Johannesburg.