Jacinth-Ambrosia mineral sand project officially opened

The project, which was approved in May 2008, is situated approximately 300 kilometres from the town of Ceduna.
Iluka’s managing director, David Robb, stated at the opening, “This project represents a major resource development for South Australia and a pivotal new source of global supply of zircon sand.
“The project has the capacity to supply around 25 per cent of global zircon demand and will cement Iluka’s position as the largest global supplier of zircon.”
Zircon is used in a range of commercial, domestic and industrial applications and for which China is now the major global consumer.
The Jacinth-Ambrosia project has been delivered without a loss time injury, in compliance with its environmental obligations. As well as being several months ahead of schedule, it is below the initial approved capital of $420 million, with an estimated final expenditure of less than $390 million.
Jacinth-Ambrosia project represents Iluka’s first project in the Eucla Basin and was discovered in 2004.
“From discovery to commissioning in five years is a great achievement,” said Robb.
“This represents a ‘best in class’ result, with Iluka very appreciative of the assistance provided by the South Australian Government.
“I am confident this project will make a sustainable contribution to the region, as well as to the economic and social welfare of indigenous people.”
The project has already achieved its 20 per cent indigenous employment target.
The Jacinth-Ambrosia project has the potential for an average annual production of ~300 ktpa zircon, ~45 ktpa rutile, ~170 ktpa ilmenite, which will commence in 2011.
Mining will use an open pit, dozer-trap method, with ore processed into HMC at the on-site wet concentrator plant. The HMC will then be trucked a distance of 270 kilometres to Port Thevenard and shipped to Port of Geraldton, Western Australia.