Iluka Resources Limited (ILU.AU) saw its stock price soar by 5.24% during intraday trading on Monday, as investors show optimism ahead of the company's upcoming strategy day. The significant uptick in share value suggests that market participants are eagerly anticipating positive news and clarity on the company's future projects.

The Australian mineral sands producer is set to host its strategy day on May 5, where the spotlight is expected to fall on the Balranald project in New South Wales. Iluka plans to deploy a remotely operated underground mining technology at commercial scale for the first time at Balranald, targeting rutile deposits that were previously considered uneconomic to develop. This innovative approach has piqued investor interest, despite some market concerns about the novelty of the mining method.

Analysts at Macquarie believe that further clarity and information on the proposed technique and trial results could be positively received by the market during the strategy day. The surge in Iluka's stock price suggests that investors are betting on favorable updates regarding the Balranald project and its potential to unlock value from previously untapped resources. The market's reaction also indicates growing confidence in Iluka's ability to successfully implement new technologies, potentially positioning the company as an innovator in the mineral sands sector.