Operators (SXPF)

LUKA RESOURCES; Eneabba; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Iluka Resources seeks highly experienced SX Operators to operate the refinery’s solvent extraction and product finishing areas at Eneabba, WA. The roles follow a 7 days on, 7 days off, 7 nights on/off roster, with initial commissioning and shift patterns potentially day shifts during commissioning.

The positions require extensive SX plant experience, DCS operation, and strong leadership to coordinate small teams while maintaining quality, recovery and mass balance across multiple circuits.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Skills

Solvent extraction

Control room supervision

DCS experience

Solvent extraction chemistry

Mass balance monitoring

Tools

DCS systems

Job description

Join Australia's first fully integrated rare earths refinery Site-based - Eneabba, WA Iluka Resources is a leading global producer of the criticalminerals 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

• 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

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.”

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.