Outgoing Iluka Resources boss David Robb says the mineral sands miner has the firepower to invest in potential game changing technology as Chinese and European markets show signs of improvement.
Mr Robb is stepping down from the top job after 10 years, and says he leaves the company with a strong, debt-free balance sheet.
"We have a lot of firepower," he told a mining lunch on Thursday.
"We're doing everything that we want to do that involves spending money.
"It's not that we are prioritising the balance sheet over what we want to do for growth and innovation, it's just the way the numbers are working for us at the moment."
Investors are now looking for signs of growth after a period of cost cutting, and the reason for the Iluka's large debt facilities is to "put the money to work," he said.
The company plans to spend $35 million in the first half of the year on technology that could transform the industry.
Iluka produces zircon and rutile which is used in paints, ceramics and other products.
Mr Robb said it is closely monitoring global demand factors such floor space, tile production and housing activity.
Chinese markets are looking positive and Europe is travelling quite well, he said.
Iluka shares gained 47 cents on Thursday, or 7.9 per cent, to $6.44.
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