Iluka had previously announced a suspension of processing operations, pending detailed evaluative work for the company’s next planned mining development at Balranald, New South Wales.

Iluka’s Douglas site is used to dispose mineral sands byproducts from the Hamilton plant. 

Iluka chief operating officer Steve Wickham said Iluka had previously envisioned the Hamilton plant’s operations would recommence in line with concentrate being made available from the Balranald development. 

“However, evaluative work has now demonstrated that Balranald will not produce the annual volume of concentrate necessary for Iluka to operate two mineral separation plants in Australia,” he said.

“Hamilton will be placed into care and maintenance following the exhaustion of Victorian concentrate stockpiles.”

Mr Wickham said since the announcement of the suspension, Iluka had been working with the 60 affected employees to provide redeployment opportunities, counselling and employment placement support.

“There are no additional redundancy decisions associated with this update,” he said.

Iluka will continue to use the Douglas site until October.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has expressed her concern and disappointment for Iluka workers.

“My thoughts are with Iluka workers and their families who will be significantly affected by this announcement,” she said.

“I will continue to work hard to ensure the state government do not forget the importance of these regional jobs for regional people”, she said.

The Mail-Times understands that Iluka does not have many employees that live in the Wimmera.