Operator - Cracking, Leaching and Purification (CLP)

About Iluka Resources and the Role

Iluka Resources is a global leader in producing critical minerals such as zircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks. For over 30 years, they have stockpiled rare earth concentrate, which is vital for numerous sectors including defence, medical applications, electronics, renewable energy, and automotive industries. Located in Eneabba, Western Australia, Iluka is building Australia's first fully integrated rare earths refinery with collaboration from the Australian Government.

The refinery consists of two key operational areas: Cracking, Leaching and Purification (CLP), and Solvent Extraction and Product Finishing (SXPF). The CLP section is responsible for breaking down, leaching, purifying rare earths in solution form, and regenerating reagents onsite for recycling.

Position Overview

Iluka is recruiting experienced Operators for the CLP area to start in early 2027. The refinery operates on a bus-in, bus-out (BIBO) system with newly developed camp accommodation. The roster rotates 7 days on, 7 days off, 7 nights on, and 7 nights off.

Key Duties

• Conduct water and fluid commissioning across refinery units
• Perform initial fills of reagents
• Handle feed commissioning for cracking, leaching, purification, and reagent regeneration stages
• Oversee quality control, recovery, and mass balance management within the CLP, reagent production, and regeneration zones during control room operations
• Lead and coordinate activities of in-field operators
• Create operational trends to facilitate troubleshooting
• Conduct safe and representative in-field sampling
• Ensure cleanliness and prevent spillages in circuits
• Design, implement, and manage isolation and work permits
• Record circuit performance data, observations, and adjustments to process set points
• Follow and contribute to refining operational procedures

Candidate Profile

• Minimum five years of refinery operating experience with rare earths, synthetic rutile, lithium, vanadium, or nickel laterite plants
• Proven expertise in C3 (water) and C4 (feed) commissioning in similar refinery environments
• Strong leadership skills to manage small teams during commissioning phases, solving problems promptly and safely
• Extensive experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Ability to make sound decisions rapidly using diverse information sources in large-scale operations
• Well-versed in plant mass balance, quality, and recovery management through observational techniques, trend analysis, and laboratory data interpretation

Additional Information

The site location is approximately three hours north of Perth and one and a half hours south of Geraldton. Accommodation and transportation arrangements are provided under the company’s BIBO model.

Applications require a resume and a cover letter addressing the role's key selection criteria. Candidates not selected for this campaign may be considered for future openings.

Equal Opportunity and Company Values

Iluka Resources values integrity, respect, courage, accountability, and collaboration. The company supports equal employment opportunities, gender equality, and cultural diversity, striving for a workforce that mirrors the community.

Application deadline: 1 October 2026.