WA rare earths project to boost jobs and net zero goals

The Australian Government has announced that it will increase support to the Yangibana Rare Earths Project in Western Australia’s Gascoyne Region through its Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). The NAIF will provide a $220 million loan to Hastings Technology Metals Ltd to help fund the construction of a rare earths mine, processing plants and associated infrastructure.

Yangibana will deliver a mixed rare earth carbonate product into the global critical minerals supply chain, to meet growing demand for products supporting the manufacture of technology needed to reach net zero. The Yangibana project offers high-quality concentrations of neodymium and praseodymium, which are key in the manufacture of permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, medical applications and digital services.

“We need to support Australian mining so the industry can supply the minerals we need to build the technology of the future to support a decarbonising economy,” said Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King.

NAIF had previously approved a loan of $140 million; however, it has agreed to increase that amount to reflect rising costs and the recent strength of magnet rare earth prices.

Rare earth ore will be mined, crushed and concentrated at Yangibana, before being processed in Onslow into a mixed rare earth carbonate and then shipped to global customers. The project is expected to deliver a forecast $1.3 billion in net public benefit to the Gascoyne region and support around 700 jobs during construction and operations.

Regional benefits from the project will include improved water infrastructure and common user road, communication and airstrip upgrades.

NAIF CEO Craig Doyle said the funding was supporting jobs, industry and communities across the North of Australia.

“NAIF projects are forecast to support more than 15,000 jobs and contribute over $29 billion in public benefits to the northern Australian economy,” he said.

Image: Yangibana site. Hastings Technology Metals Ltd.