Latest Mineral Sands Production News

Heavy Minerals Limited’s Pre-Feasibility Study for its Port Gregory Garnet Project delivers a robust 24-year mine life with a maiden Ore Reserve and a post-tax NPV of A$322.8 million, highlighting a low-capital, high-return industrial mineral operation.

Iluka Resources reported a rebound in zircon sales and prices in Q2 2026, while advancing its Eneabba rare earths refinery to nearly 60% completion and securing a key rare earths offtake deal.

Iluka Resources has secured a multi-year, take-or-pay rare earths supply contract with a major automotive company, aligning with its Eneabba refinery ramp-up and backed by a $1.65 billion government loan for refinery completion.

Iluka Resources scaled back mineral sands output in Q1 2026 amid operational idling and market caution, while capital expenditure on its Eneabba rare earths refinery hit $977 million with commissioning progressing.

Astron Limited has advanced its Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project with conditional senior debt support and ongoing financing discussions, targeting a final investment decision by the end of March 2026.

Iluka Resources is set to report a hefty $565 million pre-tax charge in FY25, driven by impairments and inventory write-downs amid ongoing weak demand for mineral sands products.

Iluka Resources reported a strong finish to 2025 with record zircon and rutile production, while advancing its Eneabba rare earth refinery and navigating softer zircon prices amid cautious 2026 guidance.

Sheffield Resources has negotiated a waiver and deferral on senior loan repayments for its Thunderbird Mineral Sands Mine, while ongoing discussions with lenders aim to restructure project finance amid uncertain shareholder funding.

Chilwa Minerals has upgraded its Mposa deposit resource to 25.65 million tonnes, with 83% now classified as Measured, incorporating rare earth element monazite for the first time. This milestone enhances the project's geological confidence and economic potential.

VHM Limited launches a fully underwritten A$10.3 million placement and a $1 million share purchase plan to fund the Goschen rare earths project, supported by strategic government financing.

Sheffield Resources has reported a record quarter at its Thunderbird Mineral Sands Mine, with significant increases in ore mined and concentrate production, signaling a strong operational turnaround.

Iluka Resources is suspending production at its Cataby mine and Synthetic Rutile Kiln 2 due to weak global demand for mineral sands products, aiming to preserve cash and inventory while positioning for recovery.