Name of the Project
Nolans neodymium/praseodymium rare earths project.

Location
Northern Territory, Australia.

Project Owner/s
Arafura Resources.

Project Description
The Nolans project will encompass a mine, a process plant ­– comprising beneficiation, extraction and separation plants – and related infrastructure, to be built at the Nolans site.

An updated feasibility study has optimised the production schedule and financial outcomes of the project. The pit optimisations, mine designs, ore reserves and mining inventory are unchanged from the updated mining study in March 2020.

The project has ore reserves of 29.5-million tonnes grading 2.9% total rare-earth oxides, 13% phosphorous pentoxide and neodymium/praseodymium enrichment of 26.4%.

The updated feasibility study has reported a minor increase in the concentrate processing capacity of the process plant from 330 000 t/y to 340 000 t/y – the definitive feasibility study was based on 300 000 t/y.

The beneficiation capacity has increased from one-million tonnes a year to 1.5-million tonnes later in the life-of-mine to accommodate lower run-of-mine head grades.

Minor changes to the hydrometallurgical recovery of rare earths and phosphorous pentoxide, resulting from the changes to the processing plant design, have also been reported.

The project is expected to produce 4 440 t/y of neodymium/praseodymium oxide over its 38-year mine life. Production of middle and heavy rare-earth oxides is estimated at 474 t/y and phosphoric acid at 144 393 t/y.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has an after-tax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of A$1.4-billion and an internal rate of return of 18.1%.

Capital Expenditure
A$1.06-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
First ore processing is expected in October 2024, with first ore production expected towards the end of 2024. These dates are contingent on securing funding for the activities required.

Latest Developments
Arafura Resources is set to raise at least A$40-million to develop its Nolans rare earths project, according to a term sheet obtained by Reuters.

The funding comes amid a renewed focus by Australia and other countries to diversify the production of minerals that are critical for the production of electric vehicles, consumer electronics and wind turbines in a market that is currently dominated by China.

The funds raised by Arafura are intended to be used to start engineering and design activities, as well as general working capital requirements.

The project is expected to reach a final investment decision in the second half of 2022, with first production targeted for 2024.

Discussions for supply are advancing, with nine potential customers for 120% of the planned production, according to the term sheet.

The project has conditional support from Australia's Northern Australian Infrastructure Fund for potential senior debt funding of up to A$100-million and from Export Finance Australia for an additional A$200-million.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
KBR, Wave International and Arafura’s geological, metallurgical and project personnel updated definitive feasibility study); Mining Plus (mine planning, design and scheduling, along with mining cost estimation); Simulus (process simulation); and Infinity Corporate Finance (financial modelling).

Contact Details for Project Information
Arafura Resources, tel +61 8 6210 7666 or email arafura@arultd.com.