Honeywell announced it will design and implement its Integrated Controls and Safety System (ICSS) at Iluka Resources’ Eneabba rare earths refinery in Western Australia. The partnership aims to improve production efficiency and enhance worker safety at the facility, which is set to become the first fully integrated rare earths refinery in Australia.
The refinery is a result of collaboration between the Australian Government and Iluka Resources. It will produce rare earth oxides used in defense systems, electric and hybrid vehicles, robotics, sustainable energy technologies, as well as consumer, industrial, and agricultural applications. Upon completion, it will help diversify the rare earths supply chain within Australia.
Honeywell’s automation and safety controls for Iluka include Experion PKS, Universal Operation Controllers (UOC), advanced remote-control systems, and enhanced cybersecurity features. These systems are intended to provide plant-wide control through a fully integrated automation system. Real-time data analytics will also be used to support faster decision-making by operators.
Craig Renner, Project Director at Iluka Resources, said: “The Eneabba rare earths refinery is a significant project that underscores the importance of expanding the critical minerals sector in Australia and diversifying the rare earths supply chain. As a partner in this endeavor, Honeywell brings decades of automation domain expertise to increase productivity at the refinery while keeping our most important assets, our workers, safe.”
With an estimated capital cost between $AUD1.7 billion and $1.8 billion, Iluka’s facility is expected to produce up to 6,250 tonnes annually of separated neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium oxides—materials considered vital for electrification efforts in Australia.
Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions stated: “Our partnership with Iluka demonstrates how automation is a key driver of the global energy transition supply chain. With Honeywell’s extensive expertise in automation, Iluka will be equipped with the necessary tools to enhance the safety and efficiency of its operations, which are vital for supporting a more sustainable future.”
Commissioning of the Eneabba refinery is scheduled for 2027. More information about Honeywell’s industrial automation solutions can be found on their website: https://www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
Honeywell operates globally across several industries with business segments focused on aerospace technologies; industrial automation; building automation; and energy and sustainability solutions.
