Iluka Resources has secured a binding, multi-year offtake agreement for rare earth oxides with a global automotive company, marking the company’s first customer for the planned rare earths business. The agreement, which commences in 2028 for an initial four-year term, commits the customer to purchase 1,200 tonnes of magnet rare earth oxides, including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. This represents approximately 10% of Iluka’s planned production during the contract period and provides the company with meaningful revenue visibility ahead of the Eneabba refinery reaching full production.
The deal structure includes favorable terms for Iluka. Pricing is set at the higher of minimum agreed prices or market-linked prices for each product, protecting the company against downside price volatility while maintaining upside exposure if market prices strengthen. This dual-protection mechanism reflects a balanced approach to managing both supply certainty for the customer and revenue stability for Iluka. The minimum revenue over the contract period is guaranteed at US$155 million, while assuming industry forecast pricing, total revenue would reach US$172 million. These figures provide a concrete foundation for project economics at a time when capital markets remain focused on whether rare earths ventures can deliver sustainable returns.
The timing of this agreement is strategically important. The Eneabba refinery is now more than 50% complete, with commissioning expected in 2027. The offtake volumes align with the facility’s ramp-up timeline, allowing Iluka to secure demand before production begins. That a tier-one automotive company is willing to commit to a multi-year arrangement with Iluka demonstrates market confidence in the company’s ability to deliver refined critical minerals at scale. It also validates Iluka’s strategy of securing diverse feedstock sources, including both internal operations and third-party supplies, positioning the company as a vertically integrated rare earths supplier in a geopolitically sensitive supply chain.
The announcement underscores changing supply chain dynamics in the automotive sector. Global automakers are increasingly seeking to diversify rare earth sourcing beyond traditional suppliers and to secure supply from “likeminded” nations, a comment the Managing Director emphasized in his remarks. For Iluka, this translates to a structural tailwind as battery electric vehicle adoption accelerates and demand for magnet rare earths continues to grow. The fact that this agreement was concluded for a full suite of light and heavy magnet rare earth oxides, with minimum pricing negotiated between commercial parties rather than backed by government intervention, also strengthens Iluka’s positioning as a market-oriented alternative.
Investors should monitor progress on two fronts. First, the company notes that discussions with other prospective customers are ongoing, suggesting scope for additional offtake agreements that could further de-risk the Eneabba project. Second, execution risk remains material; the company must deliver the refinery on schedule and at cost. This announcement is price sensitive and flagged as material by the ASX.
View the full ASX announcement (PDF)
About Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU)
Iluka Resources Limited is a global critical minerals company that engages in exploration, project development, mining, processing, marketing and rehabilitation of mineral sands and rare earth minerals. The company produces titanium dioxide feedstocks, zircon products, and rare earth minerals, operating mining facilities primarily in Australia including locations in South Australia, Western Australia, and New South Wales. Iluka operates internationally with sales across Australia, China, Asia, Europe, the Americas and other global markets.
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