Operator (CLP)

LUKA RESOURCES; Eneabba; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diversity & Inclusion

Empowering work environment

On-site facilities

Job summary

Iluka Resources in Eneabba, WA seeks experienced operators for the CLP area of a new rare earths refinery. Roles involve 7 days on/off roster, integration of water/ feed/ reagent processes, and direct leadership of field teams during commissioning.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in rare earth or related refinery operations, strong DCS experience, and proven problem-solving skills to maintain schedule and quality. Site-based roles with on-site facilities.

Qualifications

• Five-plus years experience operating rare earths, synthetic rutile, lithium, vanadium or nickel laterite refineries.
• Extensive experience in C3 (water) and C4 (feed) commissioning in the same types of plants.
• Ability to lead small teams during commissioning, quickly, flexibly and safely solving problems to maintain schedule.
• Extensive experience in operating Distributed Control Systems.
• Ability to make quick and competent decisions in large-scale operating environments from multiple sources of information.
• A strong ability to understand and manage plant mass balance, quality and recovery with a combination of in-field look/listen/smell/feel observations, trend analysis and assessment of laboratory assays

Responsibilities

• Undertake water and fluid commissioning in all areas of the refinery
• First fills of reagents
• Feed on commissioning for the cracking, leaching, purification and reagent regeneration areas
• Manage quality, recovery and mass balance of CLP, reagent production and reagent regeneration areas of the refinery when undertaking control room operator role
• Direct and manage in-field operators
• Creation of trends to assist in problem-solving
• Undertake representative and safe in-field sampling
• Keep circuits clean and free of spillages
• Design, creation, hanging and removing isolation and work permits
• Log circuit performance, observations and changes to set points
• Follow and help refine operational procedures

Skills

Refinery operation

C3/C4 commissioning

DCS experience

Team leadership

Mass balance

Quality control

Tools

DCS

Job description

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). CLP cracks, leaches and purifies the rare earths in a solution form, ready for downstream separation. CLP also regenerates reagents on site for recycling and re-use.

About the roles

We are seeking experienced Operators to fill the initial operating roles in the CLP area of the refinery. 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. 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
• First fills of reagents
• Feed on commissioning for the cracking, leaching, purification and reagent regeneration areas
• Manage quality, recovery and mass balance of CLP, reagent production and reagent regeneration areas of the refinery when undertaking control room operator role
• Direct and manage in-field operators
• Creation of trends to assist in problem-solving
• Undertake representative and safe in-field sampling
• Keep circuits clean and free of spillages
• Design, creation, hanging and removing isolation and work permits
• Log circuit performance, observations and changes to set points
• Follow and help refine operational procedures

About you

• Five-plus years experience operating rare earths, synthetic rutile, lithium, vanadium or nickel laterite refineries
• Extensive experience in C3 (water) and C4 (feed) commissioning in the same types of plants
• Ability to lead small teams during commissioning, quickly, flexibly and safely solving problems to maintain schedule
• Extensive experience in operating Distributed Control Systems
• Ability to make quick and competent decisions in large-scale operating environments from multiple sources of information
• A strong ability to understand and manage plant mass balance, quality and recovery with a combination of in-field look/listen/smell/feel observations, trend analysis and assessment of laboratory assays

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.
• Applications close: 1 October 2026
• We respect and encourage diversity in a workforce that reflects our communities.
• We offer an empowering and inclusive work environment.

Iluka Resources is a global critical minerals company with over 70 years' industry experience in exploration, project development, mining, processing, marketing and rehabilitation. The company's objective is to deliver sustainable value. We are a leading producer of zircon and high grade titanium dioxide feedstocks, rutile and synthetic rutile. We are also set to become a globally material supplier of separated rare earth oxides, via the company's development of Australia's first fully integrated rare earths refinery at Eneabba, in Western Australia. As an international supplier of critical minerals, Iluka’s products are used in an array of applications including technology, construction, medical, lifestyle and industrial uses. As the world moves towards a smarter, safer and sustainable future, 0ur high quality products are increasing in demand. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Iluka is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Our people are the foundation of our business and are vital to our success now and into the future. We offer an empowering and inclusive work environment. Whether you are working at one of our welcoming sites or corporate offices, you have the opportunity to build strong connections and truly belong.