Arafura Secures $159M Investment for Nolans Rare Earth Project, Aims 4% Global Supply by 2029

[SMM Rare Earth News Flash] Australian company Energy Transition Minerals (ETM) recently stated that its application to renew the exploration license for the Kvanefjeld rare earth project in Greenland had received a draft decision of rejection from the Greenland government, on the grounds that further exploration activities could not lead to the granting of a mining license. The Kvanefjeld project holds 1.14 million mt of rare earth oxide resources, containing high-value elements such as praseodymium, neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. The Greenland government's decision was primarily based on the 2021 Uranium Act, which prohibits the development of mineral projects with uranium content exceeding 100 ppm, while the Kvanefjeld ore body has a uranium content of 360 ppm.

Critical Metals (CRML.O) has approved a $30 million acceleration program to develop its Tanbreez heavy rare earth project in Greenland. The initiative will advance drilling, infrastructure, engineering, and metallurgical work, aiming for first ore production in late 2028 or early 2029, with concentrate exports expected by mid-2029. The move aligns with U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic rare earth and critical minerals supply chains amid reliance concerns on China.

Caremag SAS, a French Carester subsidiary, has obtained €216 million in funding to establish a large rare-earth recycling and refining plant in Lacq, southern France, slated to begin operations by late 2026. The facility will process 2,000 t of magnets and 5,000 t of mining concentrates each year, making it Europe’s first major rare-earth recycler and a key Western producer of purified heavy rare earths. The project is supported by €110 million from Japanese investors and €106 million from the French government and will provide essential materials for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and electronics.