The Northern Territory Government has issued Mining Authorisation for Arafura Rare Earths’ 100 per cent owned Nolans Neodymium-Praseodymium Project, with the project’s Mining Management Plan (MMP) receiving approval.
Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Mining and Industry, Nicole Manison, said that the Application for an Authorisation of the Nolans Rare Earth Project under section 36 of the Mining Management Act 2001 has been approved and Authorisation 1127-01 granted.
This authorisation, enables Arafura to mine, construct and operate the Nolans project, delivering formal approval of the MMP and the Environmental Management Plans (EMPs).
The MMP and EMPs outline in detail how the Arafura will meet the approval conditions of the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NTEPA) across key areas, which include:
- Biodiversity
- Water management
- Radiation
- Tailings storage
- Erosion and sediment control
- Dust and noise
- Cultural heritage
- Mine closure and rehabilitation
Both the MMP and the EMPs have been compiled by the Arafura team, working with various specialist consultants, during the past two and a half years and represent a significant body of work.
The approval completes the final stage of Northern Territory environmental approval process, leaving the sign-off of a small number of the EMPs under the Federal EPBC Act and an Northern Territory water extraction licence outstanding.
The Company, which developed key aspects of the plans in close collaboration with the Northern Territory Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism, has committed to continue to improve the parameters as knowledge of the specific environment at the Nolans project site increases.
Arafura Managing Director, Gavin Lockyer, said the approval validates the enormous amount of hard work undertaken since ramping up the Environmental Impact Studies in 2014.
“It provides the framework, along with our ESG commitment to transparency and openness, that will ensure we minimise the impact of the Nolans Project on the unique Central Australian Arid Zone environment”.
“This approval – following the recent Hyundai/Kia Offtake Agreement and Project Update – adds to the momentum that should allow Arafura to commence procurement and construction, with FID expected to occur in early 2023.”
