The Minerals Council of Australia announced the Government’s decision to support two critical minerals projects by Arafura Resources and Liontown Resources, signaling a significant shift in the industry’s landscape. This initiative aims to diversify and secure supply chains while capitalizing on Australia’s rich resources and mining acumen.
Arafura Resources’ Nolans Project will introduce a novel rare earth separation technology in Australia, merging mining and refining operations. This venture not only promises local job creation but also positions Australia as a leader in the ethical and sustainable extraction and processing of rare earths and critical minerals. Focused on producing magnet feed rare earths (NdPr), crucial for a variety of technological and defense applications, the project is set to meet around four per cent of global demand for NdPr, emphasizing the economic potential of the Northern Territory and Australia’s contribution to global technological and defense capabilities.
Liontown’s Kathleen Valley Lithium Project is set to enhance Australia’s lithium production, generating over 900 jobs and producing approximately 500kt of spodumene concentrate annually. Critical for battery manufacturing, the project has secured offtake agreements with Tesla and Ford, marking a new chapter in Australia’s lithium mining industry and spotlighting Western Australia’s significant role in the battery minerals market.
As the demand for critical minerals, pivotal for global economic development, continues to grow, Australia’s rich deposits and pioneering advancements in extractive technologies position it as a key supplier of high-performance minerals. The support for these projects arrives at a strategic moment, ensuring Australia’s prominent role in the global shift towards clean energy and advanced technological solutions. The Minerals Council of Australia remains dedicated to promoting the mining and minerals processing industry’s ongoing success. 
