Otrakdjian and Keelin reported in 2010 that Iluka Resources Limited’s Jacinth Ambrosia heavy mineral (HM) sands mine is located on the margin of the Eucla Basin in the state’s Far West, ~200 km NW of Ceduna. Production commenced on 17 November 2009, a mere five years after discovery of the mineral sands deposits in November and December 2004.
The Premier, Hon Mike Rann MP, officially opened the mine on 9 February 2010. The project has the capacity to supply ~25% of the global zircon demand, and will cement Iluka’s position as the largest global supplier of zircon — which is used in ceramic, foundry, refractory and chemical applications, with China now the major global consumer. From discovery to commissioning in five years represents a great achievement. This ‘best in class’ result is the culmination of a successful collaboration between Iluka Resources and the South Australian Government to make Jacinth-Ambrosia the fastest established mining venture in the state. The project was delivered ahead of schedule and within budget, and was completed without a lost time injury and in full compliance with its environmental obligations. Final capital expenditure for the project was $390 million, compared with an approved budget of $420 million. Support from the local community was also a key factor that enabled such successful delivery. Iluka’s collaboration with the community from an early stage has established a strong partnership in the long term.
With Jacinth-Ambrosia successfully up and running, Iluka are continuing to explore in the Eucla Basin. They currently hold 50 000 km2 of tenements, with a significant portion of the exploration budget being spent in the search for ‘the next JacinthAmbrosia.’ The company is seeking to increase its resource position through a combination of greenfield exploration, as well as brownfield exploration attempting to tie-in additional mineral resources to the infrastructure at the existing Jacinth-Ambrosia site. While the mine life of Jacinth-Ambrosia is currently 10 years, Iluka aims to remain in the region for a long time to come.
[See radium and high-radioactivity discovery in lake-bed sediments (1969) by Campbell: https://i2mconsultants.com/downloads/mdcampbell/SouthAustraliaUEX.htm Site located only a few miles south of the above mine]
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-
