Balranald and Nepean are two rutile-rich deposits in the northern Murray Basin, New South Wales. Owing to their relative depth, Iluka is assessing the potential to develop these deposits via a novel, internally developed, underground mining technology. Iluka has undertaken a third technology trial (T3) to determine whether the technology is economically viable. The trial confirmed the effectiveness of the underground mining method and validated key elements of the mining unit design, such as materials of construction that have thwarted previous attempts to mine for extended periods of time. Work has commenced to scope the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).
Phone: 1800 305 993 (Enquiries and Complaints) Email: balranald.community@iluka.com Address: PO Box 241, Balranald NSW 2715
Balranald EPBC Referral 2012-6509 Balranald Mineral Sands Development Consent SSD-5285 Environment Protection Licence 20795 Mining Lease ML1736
Rehabilitation Management Plan Ground Water Management Plan Pollution Incident Response Plan
Construction is currently scheduled to commence in quarter 4, 2023 with first production expected in late 2024.
The underground mine life is estimated to be 9.5 years.
The product will be concentrated on site at Balranald and then transported by truck to a port in Victoria, where it will then be shipped to Iluka’s processing and refining assets in Western Australia. We anticipate approximately 26 trucks per day.
As part of the government approvals process, Iluka is required to conduct a range of studies addressing potential impacts. Studies must show a detailed understanding of baseline, or pre-mining conditions and explain how potential impacts will be avoided, remedied or managed.
The regulatory obligations the project is likely to be subject to include ongoing environmental monitoring, management plans, reporting and auditing.
Iluka has undertaken an air quality impact assessment (AQIA) which estimates the risk of particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions to be low to negligible.
The company applies radiation management practices that align with international best practice as defined by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as the relevant jurisdiction’s legislation.
We identify, assess and control risks associated with NORM, radon gas and human activity through all phases of our activities – exploration, project development, operations, rehabilitation and closure. Iluka’s Group Radiation Management Standard and site-specific radiation management plans ensure exposure to radiation meets the prescribed statutory limits and is as low as is reasonably achievable.
Waste will be managed in accordance with the Waste Management Plan, and disposed of appropriately.
Iluka has undertaken a Rehabilitation and Closure Assessment (RCA) to assess rehabilitation and closure objectives for underground mining.
Progressive rehabilitation is proposed with monitoring of the rehabilitated areas to demonstrate a sustainable and stable landform has been achieved.
During the construction phase, the Project is expected to employ a workforce of up to 250 people. During operations, a workforce of up to 270, including contractors.
A portion of our workforce from the local region.
Iluka will establish an on-site purpose built accommodation facility with modern amenities to provide initially 161 (but no greater than 350) single rooms/quarters to accommodate peak construction and operational workforces.