Zircon sales at Iluka Resources Ltd more than halved in 2009 as the Australian mineral sands producer reported a loss-making year.
Iluka posted a A$114.3m. ($102m.) loss in earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) compared with a gain of A$41.1m. ($37m.) in 2008.
The severe decline in global demand resulted in a 35.6% drop in minsands sales to A$576m. ($513m.) led a 54% decrease in sales of zircon.