Iluka's Murray Basin general manager Peter Beilby gave the assurance but admitted it was a difficult circumstance for staff.

"We did have to stand down the 39 staff at Kulwin without pay. But we have worked hard to find other work for them and 33 of the 39 staff have been found temporary employment," Mr Beilby said.

"When we come back online at Kulwin all staff will be offered their positions back."

Fabrication and delivery of a piece of equipment has delayed work at the site for five to six weeks.

The lack of production at Kulwin means the Hamilton Mineral Separation Plant is also closing for five to six weeks.

Mr Beilby said Iluka's Douglas mine was still operating but did not produce enough mineral sand to warrant leaving the newly-upgraded Hamilton facility open.

"We have done our best to make this as easy for staff as possible," he said.

"Staff at the Hamilton facility have taken annual leave. Those that don't have enough leave have been kept on to do the small amount of work at the site which needs to continue.

"We also have casual staff at the plant. So we have given their work to the permanent employees for the meantime."