Metallurgical Technician

Iluka Resources; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Bonus structure

Shares matching

Parental leave (up to 18 weeks)

Training and professional development

Camp accommodation

Job summary

Iluka Resources invites applications for a Metallurgical Technician to join our Balranald operation. The role focuses on processing samples, monitoring the Wet Concentrator Plant performance and ensuring lab compliance on site.

Travel support from Melbourne, Adelaide, or residential options enhance work-life balance. The position operates on a family‑friendly 8:6 / 7:7 roster, with opportunities for training, development and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Cert IV in Metalliferous Mining or higher.
• Experience in a mineral processing plant, laboratory or related industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect and process samples from the Wet Concentrator Plant (WCP) in the site laboratory and present results in required reporting formats.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with required standards and maintain equipment and stock levels.
• Monitor WCP performance including heavy mineral concentrate grade, recovery and water/reagent quality.
• Perform laboratory flotation tests to assess and improve plant performance.
• Provide advice to Operations on adjustments to WCP operating parameters.
• Review and develop safe work instructions and procedures for routine metallurgical tasks.
• Investigate WCP performance and provide recommendations for process improvement and cost reduction.
• Provide technical coaching and guidance for WCP operators.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Cert IV in Metalliferous Mining or higher

Job description

FIFO from Melbourne or DIDO regional or relocation support available

Iluka Resources is a global critical minerals company with a proud 70-year history and an exciting future. As we enter a pivotal phase of growth, we are seeking a passionate Metallurgical Technician to join our pioneering Balranald Operation.

Join Iluka's new Balranald Operation that deploys a novel, remotely operated, underground mining technology based on Horizontal Direction Drilling platforms to extract ore. The Balranald deposit is one of the highest-grade mineral sands deposits in the world, containing significant quantities of titanium minerals rutile and zircon, as well as smaller but material quantities of rare earths.

About the location

Iluka’s Balranald operation is located just outside of Balranald township in regional south-western NSW.

You can choose to reside locally, drive-in drive-out from towns within the regional area, or fly-in fly-out from Melbourne.

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Metallurgical Technician to join our team. Join a collaborative team environment where safety, wellbeing and respect are at the heart of how we work. While on site, you’ll have access to great camp accommodation and facilities including a gym, sports courts, recreation areas, Wi‑Fi and Foxtel.

This permanent FIFO opportunity operates on a family‑friendly 8:6 / 7:7 roster, with travel provided from Melbourne or Adelaide, supporting a balance between a rewarding career and life outside of work.

Key elements of the role include:

• Collect and process samples from the Wet Concentrator Plant (WCP) in the site laboratory, and present results in required reporting formats
• Ensure laboratory compliance with required standards, maintenance of laboratory equipment and commercially astute management of laboratory stock levels
• Monitor performance of the WCP including heavy mineral concentrate grade, heavy mineral recovery, and other key parameters such as water and reagent quality
• Perform laboratory flotation tests to assess and improve plant performance
• Provide advice to the Operations team on adjustment to WCP operating parameters
• Review and develop safe work instructions and procedures for routine metallurgical tasks
• Complete investigatory work into WCP performance, and provide recommendations for process improvement and cost reduction
• Provide technical coaching and guidance for WCP operators

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Cert IV in Metalliferous Mining or higher
• Experience working in a mineral processing plant, laboratory or related industry
• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work both independently and as part of a team

Our offer to you

• Be part of the development of a new mine employing innovative mining methods
• Family friendly 8:6 / 7:7 roster FIFO/DIDO/Residential
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave
• Competitive remuneration package including allowances and bonus structure
• Company shares matching scheme
• Attractive relocation assistance packages for those interested

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

Applicants will be required to meet Iluka’s pre-employment criteria which includes a medical, drug and alcohol screening and hold a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.

Full working rights in Australia are required for you to be eligible to apply for this role.

Applications close: 23rd of November 2026

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