Iluka Resources announced its plans Sunday to undertake a study to expand its surface mining operation into Halifax County. The company which began mining in Florida in the 1970s, is the second largest producer of titanium minerals and the world’s largest producer of zircon.
Deposits of titanium and zircon are mined using excavators.
This operation in Greensville County has been ongoing since 2009.
In 1989, titanium deposits were found in Virginia and North Carolina. Iluka has been mining in the Concord area of Dinwiddie and Sussex County, Virginia since 1998 and the Brink area of nearby Greensville County, Virginia since 2009.
Iluka, which is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, employs approximately 900 people across its operations. An economic impact study is currently under way to determine the potential benefits for Halifax County, including job creation, which will result from Iluka establishing an operation locally.
“The economics of developing an operation in Halifax County has always been of interest, but the combination of infrastructure already established in Virginia and 13 years of operation and reclamation experience best positions Iluka to make this opportunity a reality in this community of Halifax County,” said Matt Blackwell, Iluka President. “Establishing our community relations office up-front will assist Iluka in better understanding the needs of all stakeholders in the community.”
Over the next few months, Iluka representatives will begin working with landowners in the Aurelian Springs area to lease land. Securing access will allow further exploration activities to occur; a crucial step in the process of determining the economic feasibility of establishing operations in the area. The proposed location would be between Aurelian Springs and Roanoke Rapids, East of Highway 48 and West of Heathsville/Piney Grove Church Road.
Blackwell added, “The majority of Iluka’s United States produced titanium minerals mined from this area are sold internally to the U.S. market. Titanium is used predominately in paint, but is commonly associated with products like golf clubs, airplanes, and medical applications like artificial joints, pacemakers, and braces. Without the development of Aurelian Springs, the United States will be totally reliant on foreign countries to supply titanium within eight years.
The actual mining process resembles a typical construction project with excavators feeding into a mobile mining unit, which removes the rocks and separates the clay from the sand.
“The mining and land restoration process is continuous in nature with clearing, mining, berm construction, regrading, and re-vegetation activities occurring simultaneously. In the end, the land is productive and healthy pastures establish quickly,” said David Trippany, Iluka Project Manager.
“We look forward to becoming actively involved in Halifax County for many years to come. Our company believes strongly in pursuing best practices in the areas of environment, health, and safety,” said Blackwell.
Iluka’s new office is located at 413 Becker Drive in Roanoke Rapids. Additional information is available by contacting David Trippany, Iluka Project Manager, at 252-533-9032, or 252-533-9034.
