Iluka Resources, a leading mineral sands company, has awarded JordProxa Pty Ltd, based in Perth, Australia, a contract to supply a custom-engineered CO? capture plant for its Eneabba rare-earths refinery in Western Australia. This facility, one of the few rare-earths refineries outside China, is Australia’s first of its kind, highlighting Iluka’s focus on sustainable operations.

Rendered model for the CO2 capture package to be installed at the Eneabba refinery

The contract strengthens an ongoing partnership, following JordProxa’s earlier delivery of ten modular evaporation plants for the Eneabba refinery. The CO? capture plant is designed to recover carbon dioxide from boiler off-gas using an aqua ammonia solution, producing a controlled ammonium carbonate/bicarbonate mixture at a precise pH. This process ensures compliance with ammonia emission standards while supporting essential downstream chemical processes.

“This innovative system reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency,” said an Iluka Resources spokesperson. “Partnering with JordProxa enables us to adopt advanced technology for sustainable rare-earths processing.”

The CO? capture plant incorporates three gas processing columns: one for gas conditioning and primary cooling/polishing, and two for CO? absorption and final gas polishing. The design emphasizes energy efficiency and cost reduction without compromising recovery rates or environmental performance. Large columns are delivered for on-site assembly, while pumps, heat exchangers, and ancillary systems are provided in modular skids, streamlining installation, enhancing safety, and ensuring quality through off-site fabrication.

“Our tailored solution meets the unique needs of the Eneabba refinery, balancing performance with sustainability,” said a JordProxa representative. “The modular approach simplifies deployment and supports Iluka’s environmental objectives.”

Located in Western Australia, the Eneabba refinery is a flagship project for Iluka, focused on processing rare earths critical for clean energy technologies. The CO? capture plant enhances the facility’s sustainability by reducing emissions and optimizing resource use, aligning with global demand for environmentally responsible rare-earth production.

The collaboration between Iluka and JordProxa underscores the role of innovative engineering in advancing Australia’s rare-earths industry. By integrating advanced CO? capture technology, the Eneabba refinery sets a standard for sustainable mineral processing, contributing to both local economic growth and global supply chains for critical materials.