Iluka Resources continues to evaluate the development of a new mineral sands operation in Halifax County. The company, which is the second largest producer of titanium minerals and the world’s largest producer of zircon, has been working with land owners in Aurelian Springs to determine the economic feasibility of establishing surface mining operations in that area.
Halifax landowners, residents, and county leaders were recently invited to tour the company’s operations in Southern Virginia to get a firsthand look. An informational session was held at the Brink Ruritan Club outside of Emporiawhere company representatives fielded questions followed by a guided tour.
“We have had very productive conversations with the stakeholders in the possible Aurelian Springs project about our belief in pursuing the best practices in the areas of environment, health, and safety,” said Matt Blackwell, Iluka President.
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. 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.
Over the next few months, Iluka representatives will continue to work 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.
“So far feedback has been positive regarding our plans for Halifax County. We want to make sure we address all of the landowner’s questions upfront with an open dialogue. That’s the way Iluka does business,” said David Trippany, Iluka Project Manager.
According to Iluka representatives, without the development of Aurelian Springs, the United States will be totally reliant on foreign countries to supply titanium within eight years. “This can only help United States companies that rely on titanium resources,” Blackwell added.
The proposed location in Halifax County would be between Aurelian Springs and Roanoke Rapids, East of Highway 48 and West of Heathsville/Piney Grove Church Road. Iluka, which is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, employs approximately 900 people across its operations.
Iluka has opened an office in Roanoke Rapids which is located at 413 Becker Drive. Additional information is available by contacting David Trippany, Iluka Project Manager, at 252-533-9032.
