Iluka Resources is involved in a dispute over unpaid dues, relating to the construction of a mine camp at their $600 million Balranald project, according to The West Australian newspaper.

Iluka Resources is currently in a legal dispute with the contractor, MCC Mining Camps Pty Ltd, who is responsible for the facility, which includes a kitchen, dining area, and laundry.

Despite the legal proceedings, Balranald Shire Council has reported that the workers’ village is operational and is currently housing residents.

Iluka has also maintained that the dispute will not impact the project’s timeline, which is set for commissioning in the latter half of the year.

The Balranald project is a significant one, valued at $600 million.

The mine will extract several valuable minerals, including zircon, rutile, ilmenite, and rare earth concentrates.

Iluka plans to process the rare earth materials at its Eneabba refinery in Western Australia.

The final investment decision for the project was approved in February 2023, with the mine expected to be operational within the next six months.

The dispute over the mine camp dues is currently before the courts, and as such, Iluka is not commenting further on the matter, reports the West Australian.

However, the company has indicated that the dispute will not affect the project’s timeline.

This article appeared on Back Country Bulletin on 14 August 2025.