Solvent Extraction Operators for Rare Earths Refinery (SXPF)

About the Company and Refinery

Iluka Resources is a globally leading producer specializing in critical minerals including zircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks such as rutile and synthetic rutile. For over thirty years, Iluka has accumulated a strategic stockpile of rare earth concentrate. Rare earth elements are vital across a wide array of applications including defense, healthcare, optics, fuels, electronics, robotics, electric vehicles, environmental technologies, and renewable energy sectors.

In collaboration with the Australian government, Iluka is developing Australia's first fully integrated rare earth refinery located at Eneabba in Western Australia's Mid-West region. The refinery is designed to convert the existing stockpiled concentrate along with other feed sources into purified rare earth oxides, and its construction is currently around 60% complete. As commissioning and start-up approach, recruitment has begun for refinery operations personnel.

Refinery Structure

Refinery operations are divided into two main areas: Cracking, Leaching and Purification (CLP), and Solvent Extraction and Product Finishing (SXPF). The solvent extraction process within rare earth mineral processing is highly intricate, involving multiple circuits and over 400 individual separation stages where combined feed streams are separated into eight distinct product streams followed by product finishing.

Role Summary

Iluka is looking for experienced Solvent Extraction Operators to join the SXPF team. The roles are slated to begin in early 2027 based at the Eneabba site. Operators will work on a 7 days on/7 days off day shift, then 7 days on/7 days off night shift roster. Initially, the commissioning phase might be restricted to day shifts only. The location operates a bus-in, bus-out (BIBO) system with new camp accommodations provided near the site.

Key Duties

• Execute commissioning activities involving water and fluids across all refinery sectors
• Oversee feed-on commissioning for solvent extraction circuits and evaporators
• Establish solvent extraction circuit equilibrium
• Manage quality, recovery, and mass balance across multiple solvent extraction circuits while performing control room operations
• Record performance metrics, observations, and set point adjustments of circuits
• Create trends and analyses for troubleshooting
• Supervise and coordinate in-field operators
• Control mass balance operations in the field, utilizing standpipes
• Perform safe and representative sampling within the field
• Maintain cleanliness and prevent organic spillages within circuits
• Design, implement, and manage work isolation and permits
• Follow and contribute to refining operational procedures

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of five years’ experience operating solvent extraction plants with more than 200 stages, including at least two years as control room operator or supervisor
• Proven extensive experience commissioning rare earth solvent extraction circuits at a full commercial scale
• Demonstrated leadership in managing small teams during commissioning phases, showing agility and safety focus to resolve issues promptly
• Deep experience working with Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Strong knowledge of solvent extraction chemistry and ability to perform quick calculations to optimize set points
• Competence in monitoring solvent extraction circuits using DCS, lab analysis, trend data, and field evaluations
• Experience handling and recording complex solvent extraction chemistry and mass balance for multiple interlinked streams
• Ability to read and interpret process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
• Additional expertise in precipitation and calcination of rare earth products considered advantageous

Additional Information

The role is based at Eneabba, WA, approximately 3 hours north of Perth and 1.5 hours south of Geraldton. The site operates on a bus-in, bus-out roster with dedicated accommodations provided. The positions start in early 2027 following construction completion.

Applications: Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV alongside a cover letter addressing the qualifications and experience points listed. Candidates not selected for this recruitment may be considered for future vacancies. Applications close 1 October 2026.

Company Values and Inclusion

Iluka Resources is committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, respect, courage, accountability, and collaboration. The company promotes equal opportunity, gender equality, and cultural diversity reflecting the communities it operates within.

Successful applicants will join an inclusive workforce dedicated to sustainable outcomes in critical mineral supply chains.