Arafura Rare Earths: Australia’s Bid to Break China’s Grip

Every day, tonnes of rare earths leave Australia — never to be seen again. They’re refined in China, built into electric vehicles, wind turbines, and even fighter jets. For decades, it’s been the same story: we dig it up, they refine it, and the real value is captured offshore.

But in the red heart of the Northern Territory, that balance is starting to shift.

The Nolans Project: A New Chapter for Australian Processing

Just north of Alice Springs, Arafura Rare Earths is building something unprecedented — the Nolans Project, a combined mine and refinery designed to process neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) right here at home. These are the critical elements that power electric vehicle motors, defence systems, and clean energy technologies.

Backed by over $1 billion in funding, including support from the Australian and Northern Territory governments, Arafura’s project aims to change how Australia participates in the global rare earths supply chain. Instead of exporting raw ore for someone else to refine, the Nolans Project will do the refining itself — keeping more value and jobs in Australia.

Cutting Beijing’s Ties

China currently dominates the global rare earth market, refining over 80% of the world’s supply. This control gives Beijing enormous influence over global technology and defence industries.
Now, the U.S. is taking notice — and investing. Washington wants to diversify its supply chains away from China, and Arafura’s project fits perfectly into that plan. It’s part of a growing strategic alignment between Canberra and Washington, focused on resource security and economic resilience.

More Than a Mine — A Strategic Move

The Nolans Project isn’t just about mining — it’s about reshaping Australia’s economic sovereignty. Every tonne refined locally strengthens our position in global supply chains, attracts international partners, and builds regional jobs in Central Australia.

If successful, Arafura could pave the way for a new generation of processing and manufacturing onshore — one where we don’t just export dirt, but high-value materials powering the world’s next wave of technology.

Could this be the start of something new?