Arafura Resources (ASX: ARU) is an emerging rare earths producer. Arafura is currently developing its Nolans rare earths-phosphate-uranium project in Australia’s Northern Territory. The project is underpinned by a 30 million tonne resource that can sustain a 20-year mine life.
Arafura has expanded the scope of a Bankable Feasibility Study for the Nolans Project and extended the expected completion date of the Nolans Project Bankable Feasibility Study by nine to twelve months to simplify the Nolans Project flow sheet to focus predominately on production of rare earth products.
Arafura Resources welcomes major project status for Whyalla Rare Earths Complex
Perth based Arafura Resources Limited’s (ASX: ARU) has announcmed the South Australian Government intention to declare Major Project status for Arafura’s proposed Whyalla Rare Earths Complex.
Steve Ward, managing director, said he welcomed the South Australian Government’s announcement which recognises that the Rare Earths Complex is considered to be of major economic, social or environmental importance to the State.
“Arafura’s Whyalla Rare Earths Complex is consistent with the SA Government’s objective to develop mineral processing industries in the area."
"Attaining Major Project status will be another significant step for us.”
“We have been very pleased with the positive reaction we have received to our announcement regarding the Whyalla location from both the SA Government and the local community."
"Site selection is another major milestone in the history of the Company."
"We are now in a position to move forward at pace with all our Nolans Project work programs as we progress towards production in 2013.”
Rare Earth Oxide separation is one of the key technology work streams in progress for the Nolans Project Feasibility Study.
Separated middle rare earth oxides (MREE1) and heavy rare earth oxides (HREE2) have now been produced at the laboratories of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in Sydney.
Following initial laboratory work a fully integrated mini-plant representing the MREE and HREE production circuit was successfully operated continuously for 62 hours, resulting in commercial quality MREE and HREE products.
