The history of the industry from its inception in 1934 at Byron Bay to the present-day projects at Eneabba is outlined. A brief description of the geologic environment and the exploration methods employed indicates how the commercial deposits are located and evaluated.

Mining methods and equipment used in the industry today including restoration of mined areas are discussed. General description of techniques and equipment used to separate the constituent minerals of the mine concentrate including transport, packaging of the finished products, and the quality control are given.

The unusual problems associated with mining in an area of high land-use demand are described as are those associated with establishing infrastructure in such remote areas as Eneabba. The contribution to the economy of the communities involved also is discussed.

The discussion of marketing includes the features associated with commodities of which Australia is practically the sole supplier (rutile and zircon), and the situation in which the competition is worldwide (ilmenite).

The many diverse uses of the products are discussed briefly as a background to the effects in the market on changing uses and changing demand.

The growing demand for the products, Australia's and the world's capacity to meet the demand, and the future of the industry are covered. The future of the individual minerals and their possible substitutes is discussed as a means of predicting the future of the heavy mineral sands industry in Australia.

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