Arafura Commits to Nolan Rare Earth Project, Aiming for 4,440 mt Annual Pr-Nd Oxide Production

Published: May 21, 2026 16:13

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[SMM Rare Earth News Flash] Australia's Arafura announced a final investment decision on the Nolan rare earth project, which has an annual output of 4,440 mt of Pr-Nd oxide. Construction, spanning 30 months, will commence in September, with commissioning expected in early to mid-2029. The project will also produce 470 mt per year of mixed medium-heavy rare earth oxides. Following Australian export finance support for 500 mt/year of Pr-Nd oxide, offtake agreements covered over 80% of capacity. The project has a mine life of 38 years and can meet 4% of global Pr-Nd demand.

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