Marubeni Takes Equity Stake in Australian Mineral Sands Project
Marubeni Corporation has entered into an agreement to invest A$15 million for up to a 5% equity position in RZ Resources’ mineral sands project, located in New South Wales, Australia. The investment aims to advance the development of the Copi Mine and upgrading of an existing mineral separation plant in Brisbane, Queensland, focusing on the production of heavy mineral sands such as rutile, ilmenite, zircon, and monazite.
The agreement grants Marubeni future options for equity participation and certain marketing rights. JX Advanced Metals joined as a strategic partner in June 2025, supporting project acceleration and technical development. The project includes enhancements to the definitive feasibility study and environmental impact statement, both key steps in regulatory compliance. Letters of interest for financing support have been received from the Export-Import Bank of the United States and Export Finance Australia, reflecting the project’s strategic significance in diversifying critical mineral supply for markets such as Japan, which is highly import-dependent for these materials.
- Marubeni investment: A$15 million for up to 5% equity
- Regulatory milestones: Definitive feasibility study and environmental impact statement underway
- Companies: Marubeni, RZ Resources, JX Advanced Metals; Location: NSW and Queensland, Australia; Resource: Heavy mineral sands
