Construction has begun on the AU$1.6 billion Nolans rare earths project, the largest mining project in Northern Territory history, following a sod-turning ceremony.
Nolans is one of the most advanced rare earths projects in the world and will become Australia’s first integrated rare earths mine and processing site.
Forecast to generate AU$25.2 billion for the Territory economy over a 38-year operational life, the project is set to cement Alice Springs as a key regional logistics, services, and workforce hub.
“Nolans is a nation-building project that will create good local jobs for decades to come, strengthen the Territory economy and cement the NT’s place at the centre of Australia’s critical minerals future,” said NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro.
The mine represents the first project designated as a Significant Project under the Territory Coordinator Act, streamlining regulatory processes while maintaining public accountability.
Once fully operational, Nolans will operate as only the third integrated rare earths ore-to-oxide site outside mainland China, supplying approximately 4 per cent of global demand for neodymium-praseodymium oxide.
The critical minerals produced will feed international supply chains across manufacturing, defence technologies, and energy transition sectors.
“Projects like Nolans show that the Territory has everything that Australia needs – we have the resources, the strategic location and the industrial potential to meet some of the nation’s biggest challenges,” Finocchiaro said.
Site construction is expected to create over 600 temporary jobs, supported by a 250-bed accommodation village targeted for completion in November 2026. A further 350 ongoing operational roles will be sustained over the life of the mine.
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the project demonstrated the Territory’s ability to deliver world-class resource developments.
“Nolans is a game-changer for the Northern Territory and another example of how our government is enabling major projects to move from potential to production,” Maley said.