The Cook Government has announced funding to research rare earth extraction in Western Australia (WA), aiming to establish a new rare earth province in the region.
This initiative seeks to unlock significant high-value critical mineral resources, offering advanced processing opportunities for emerging industries.
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The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) has allocated $175,000 to RSC to work in collaboration with the Curtin University Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, Narryer Metals, Dreadnought Resources, Terrain Minerals and Pluto Resources.
This research builds on previous MRIWA-supported studies that identified valuable rare earth elements (REEs) and strategic elements like gallium and niobium in WA’s clay-hosted mineral deposits.
The new study will focus on deposits in the mineral-rich Yilgarn region.
Future stages may include establishing test facilities and exploring the potential for processing and purification of REEs, with the goal of activating a robust and sustainable rare earth industry locally to strengthen WA’s position as a leader in the global critical minerals sector.
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By GlobalDataMines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said: “Western Australia’s leadership in minerals research gives this state a unique opportunity to play a key role in decarbonising the critical minerals supply chain.
“This research collaboration between the WA Government, industry and universities demonstrates the commitment of the Cook Government to a responsible and sustainable minerals industry.
“I look forward to the outcomes of this research enabling the activation of Western Australia’s world-class mineral reserves in support of renewable energy opportunities globally.”
The project focuses on eco-friendly extraction methods, aligning with the Cook Government’s dedication to sustainable resource development.
This approach also ensures that WA stays at the forefront of innovative and responsible mining practices.
In a related development, Arafura Rare Earths has secured A$200m ($123.7m) from the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) for the Nolans Project in the Northern Territory.
This marks the NRFC’s largest investment to date and is part of Arafura’s larger capital-raising efforts to fund the project.
The Nolans Project is estimated to have a mine life of 38 years with a production capacity of 4,440 tonnes per annum of neodymium and praseodymium oxide.
