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Iluka Resources recently announced its production in the first quarter of 2023, including 150,900 tons of zircon sand/rutile/artificial rutile (Z/R/SR), 59,300 tons of zircon sand concentrate, 8,000 tons of rutile, and 83,600 tons of artificial rutile. 42,000 tons of zircon sand, 11,600 tons of rutile and 48,000 tons of artificial rutile were sold. The first quarter saw a seasonal slowdown and purchases were cautious, but sales of zircon sand were slightly better than expected. 20,000 tons of artificial rutile produced have been sold, but due to shipping restrictions, the shipment was postponed to the second quarter. The sales volume of natural rutile was 12,000 tons, and it was sold to welding material customers at a high price.
In the second quarter of 2023, the price of zircon sand increased by $50 per ton, and all sales contracts have been signed. The company's supply of zircon sand is still relatively scarce.