Operators (SXPF)

• Join Australia's first fully integrated rare earths refinery

• Site-based - Eneabba, WA
   

Iluka Resources is a leading global producer of the critical minerals zircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks (rutile and synthetic rutile). Iluka has also strategically stockpiled a rare earth concentrate for the last three decades. Rare earth elements are essential for defence, medical, glass, fuels, optical, consumer electronics, robotics, electric and hybrid vehicles, emissions reduction, renewable energy, as well as most items that use electric motors.

Most people use products containing rare earths or utilise rare earths in their manufacturing more than 50 times a day. In partnership with the Australian Government, Iluka is building a globally significant rare earths refinery at Eneabba in Western Australia’s Mid-West. The refinery will convert both the existing stockpile and many other feed sources into separated rare earth oxides. Construction of the refinery is now 60% complete. With start-up fast approaching, Iluka is now commencing recruitment to operate the refinery.

About the refinery
Refinery management will be split into two broad areas:

• Cracking, Leaching and Purification (CLP)

• Solvent Extraction and Product Finishing (SXPF)
   

Solvent extraction (SX) in rare earths is more complex than other processing applications. The site includes multiple circuits with more than 400 individual stages, splitting the initial combined feed stream into eight separate product streams. The streams proceed onto separate product finishing streams.

About the roles

Iluka seeks highly experienced SX Operators to fill the initial operating roles in the refinery’s solvent extraction and product finishing area. These roles are scheduled to commence in early 2027.

These positions will operate on a 7 days on, 7 days off, 7 nights on, 7 nights off roster. During the initial commissioning period, the roles may operate on day shifts only.

With Eneabba located three hours north of Perth and 1.5 hours south of Geraldton, the site will operate on a bus-in, bus-out (BIBO) roster, with new camp accommodation and facilities provided.

Key responsibilities:

• Undertake water and fluid commissioning in all areas of the refinery

• Feed on commissioning for the solvent extraction circuits and evaporators

• Equilibrium establishment for solvent extraction circuits

• Manage quality, recovery and mass balance of multiple solvent extraction circuits whilst undertaking control room operator duties

• Log circuit performance, observations and changes to set points

• Creation of trends to assist in problem-solving

• Direct and manage in-field operators

• In-field control of mass balance (via standpipes)

• Undertake representative and safe in-field sampling

• Keep circuits clean and free of organic spillages

• Design, creation, hanging and removal of isolation and work permits

• Follow and help refine operational procedures  
   

About you

To be successful in these roles, you will have:

• Five-plus years’ experience operating solvent extraction plants of >200 stages, with at least two of these years in control room operator or supervisor roles

• Extensive experience in C4 (feed on) commissioning of rare earths solvent extraction circuits in commercially successful full-scale plants 

• Ability to lead small teams during commissioning, quickly, flexibly and safely solving problems to maintain schedule

• Extensive experience in operating Distributed Control Systems

• A strong understanding of solvent extraction chemistry with the ability to quickly undertake calculations and assess set point changes to maintain circuit control

• Experience monitoring SX circuits via DCS, laboratory analyses, trends and field observations

• Experience managing and recording solvent extraction circuit chemistry and mass balance

• Experience managing a complex solvent extraction refinery plant materials balance with multiple interdependent streams

• Ability to read and interpret process flow diagrams and piping and instrumentation diagrams

• Additional experience with precipitation and calcination of rare earth products will be regarded highly
   

How to apply

Applications should include a resume detailing previous experience and a cover letter that addresses each of the bullet points in this advertisement.

Applications from candidates who are not selected for this initial opportunity will be considered for future recruitment campaigns.
 

What we offer

We are committed to upholding our Business Values, supporting equal opportunities, gender equality and cultural diversity.

If you share our values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Accountability and Collaboration; and you have the skills and experience to help us to succeed and deliver sustainable value, apply now. 

Applications close: 1 October 2026

“We respect and encourage diversity in a workforce that reflects our communities.”