Herbert Smith Freehills advises Iluka on innovative A$480m Balranald critical minerals project

Herbert Smith Freehills has advised Iluka Resources Limited (Iluka) in connection with the engineering, procurement and constructive management arrangements as part of the development of its Balranald mineral sands project.

Balranald is a rutile-rich deposit in the Riverina district of south-western New South Wales, where Iluka will utilise novel, remotely operated underground mining technology to access ore bodies previously thought to be uneconomic. This innovative technology offers a significant reduction in environmental disturbance and carbon intensity compared to traditional methods.

Herbert Smith Freehills, led by Perth Projects, Energy and Infrastructure partner Dan Zador and supported by senior associate Yannis Vrodos and solicitor Sean Frewin, assisted Iluka in negotiating an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contract with global engineering consultant Worley Services Pty Ltd (Worley). This development enhances Iluka’s portfolio offering of high grade, high quality critical minerals products produced in Australia.

On this significant milestone in the Balranald project, Dan said, “As the Commonwealth Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy has recently demonstrated, Australia is positioning itself as the global powerhouse in producing the critical minerals which will drive the energy transition. It is our pleasure to assist Iluka as they continue to drive Australia’s position as a global supplier of these critical minerals.”

Yannis added, “It’s been fantastic to support Iluka on the use of an EPCM contracting model for this significant, strategic and innovative project. As we’ve seen numerous projects ramping up across Australia, the EPCM contracting model has been an important tool in allowing our resources clients to quickly mobilise the additional expertise, people and skills needed to drive these ambitious projects.”

With this project, Herbert Smith Freehills continues to demonstrate its market leadership in the mining and energy sectors, particularly in working with clients at the forefront of the energy transition.

Herbert Smith Freehills continues to support Iluka on its development of the Balranald project.