The Northern Territory government has declared the AU$1.6 billion Arafura rare earths Nolans project as the Territory’s first ever Significant Project.
The designation under the Territory Coordinator Act 2025 provides a coordinated, whole-of-government pathway to accelerate the project. Projects can be declared Significant Projects where they are of major economic importance to the Territory or are complex projects with significant regional benefits.
Construction is slated to commence in September, following Arafura’s final investment decision (FID) last week.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro emphasised that the landmark mining investment, the largest in the Territory’s history, is vital for both local economic growth and national security.
“Nolans is one of the most advanced rare earths projects in the world and will become the first integrated rare earths mine and processing facility of its kind in Australia,” Finocchiaro said.
“It will produce the critical minerals needed for advanced manufacturing, defence technologies and the industries that will drive economic growth in the decades ahead.
“At a time of growing strategic competition, projects like Nolans show why the Northern Territory matters. We have the resources, the strategic location and the industrial potential to help meet some of Australia’s biggest national challenges.”
As Australia’s first fully integrated ore-to-oxide facility, the open-cut mine and processing plant will bypass traditional supply chains. Rare earths are critical minerals essential to modern technologies including electrification, robotics and advanced electronics.
Currently, China controls 90 per cent of the global rare earths supply, which is expected to double in demand over the next decade due to its necessity in electric vehicles, robotics, and advanced electronics.
Arafura Managing Director Darryl Cuzzubbo welcomed the declaration, noting the project is fully construction-ready. The facility will target 4,500 tonnes of high-purity rare earth oxide products in its first phase, eventually scaling to 10,000 tonnes, enough to supply roughly 10 million electric vehicles.
Offtake agreements are already secured with the United States, Europe, and South Korea.
Territory Coordinator Stuart Knowles stated the project represents the absolute definition of profound economic significance, assuring that the framework will streamline regulatory processes while preserving strict accountability.
“As Australia’s first fully integrated ore-to-oxide rare earths facility, this project requires high-level, cross-government coordination to move at pace,” Knowles said.
