Name of the Project
Nolans neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) project.

Location
Northern Territory, Australia.

Client
Arafura Resources.

Project Description
Nolans is one of the most advanced rare earths development projects globally. The Nolans Bore resource is rich in NdPr – the key rare earths used in high-strength permanent magnets.

The project has total mineral resources estimated at 56-million tonnes at 2.6% rare-earth oxides using a 1% cutoff grade.

The measured and indicated resources base has the potential to support mining and processing operations for at least 30 to 35 years at a design capacity of 14 000 t/y of total rare-earth oxides equivalent.

Potential Job Creation
Arafura expects an additional 20 to 25 jobs will be created with the construction of the separation plant, and estimates the project’s total permanent full-time workforce, including contractors on and off site, to be 350 to 370.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Value
The project has a capital cost of $680-million.

Duration
A definitive feasibility study (DFS) is expected to be completed in 2018, with a final investment decision expected in 2019.

Latest Developments
Arafura Resources will raise A$3-million through a share purchase plan (SPP) to advance its Nolans project.

Eligible shareholders will be allowed to subscribe for up to A$15 000 worth of new shares in the company, with the new shares to be issued at 20% discount to the volume weighted average trading price over the five days before the date of issue.

Meanwhile, Arafura has revealed plans to build a separation plant at its Nolans project.

Arafura had previously planned for the separation plant to be located offshore, however, the company has said that process and configuration efficiencies identified through the project’s DFS and the company’s extensive testwork and flowsheet piloting programmes have made the relocation of the plant to the Nolans site more feasible.

The decision is also expected to mitigate some of the project’s operational risks.

The company is continuing to progress a DFS at Nolans, and to work towards a final investment decision on the project.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Arafura Resources, tel +61 8 6210 7666, fax +61 8 9221 7966 or email media@arafuraresources.com.au.