The Wimmera project involves the mining and beneficiation of a fine grained heavy mineral sands ore body in the Victorian Murray Basin for the potential long term supply of zircon and rare earths.

One characteristic shared by the fine grained mineral sands deposits located in Western Victoria is higher levels of impurities in their zircon. Absent a processing solution to remove these impurities, the zircon is ineligible for sale into most end markets, including ceramics. The study work for Wimmera is focussed on validating Iluka’s zircon processing solution and on progressing baseline environmental studies. 

Test results for the zircon processing solution continue to be positive. If commercialised, this solution would be applicable to other zircon found throughout the Wimmera region, as well as deposits located elsewhere with similar technical challenges.

The rare-earth bearing minerals within the Wimmera deposit are very similar to the stockpiled minerals at Eneabba; and could supplement feed to Iluka’s potential downstream refining activities at Eneabba in future years.

More information can be found through our Engagement Hub.