Arafura Resources and Rare Earth Metals

By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 13 Nov 09

Up until now, little has been publicised about Rare Earth Elements (REEs), the commodity of choice for Arafura Resources, which is interesting in itself because:

  • It has been touted as a reasonably rare commodity due to them being widely dispersed – apparently less common than iron, carbon or silicon but on a par with nickel, copper and zinc, and yet more abundant than gold, platinum or palladium;
  • They are indispensable to modern technology, as there are generally no substitutes, and;
  • The number of active, dedicated producers is tiny, with more than 90% of the world’s supply coming from China.

Rare earth metals are essential components to products with significant growth potential in the markets associated with the electronics and technology industries, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction. As a key component in re-chargeable batteries and the magnets in electric motors, rare earths are expected to play a fundamental role in hybrid motor vehicles. These cars are fuel efficient and major contributors to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

REE are also key products in the electronics market, including mobile phones, personal organisers and laptop computers, and in plasma, LCD and CRT display screens.

These new technologies are being rapidly adopted across the globe as electronic media becomes an essential part of personal apparel and business environments.

In a recent article in The Australian, it was reported that the Japanese are also increasingly looking to secure further resource supplies in Australia, with a focus on rare earths and uranium.

With a history spanning some 20 years, Arafura Resources’ prime focus is the development of its 100% owned Nolans Rare Earths-Phosphase-Uranium Project in the Northern Territory.

In its formative years, Arafura acquired sizeable land packages in geologically prospective areas with known mineralisation, and the areas had little or no modern exploration. The portfolio was assembled to target "company making" prospects. Where possible, they were located in regional proximity for ease of planning. Ground was carefully selected which then enabled the Company to present a balanced and prospective suite of tenements to seed capital investors.

Prior to listing on the Australian Stock Exchange, Arafura had undertaken extensive geological and development work on granted areas and successfully negotiated with the relevant Native Title Councils for access agreements on a number of application areas.

The result was that at the time of listing, Arafura had either title to or applications for some 12,000 km2 of highly prospective ground in the under-explored Northern Territory of Australia including:

  • Nolans rare earths-phosphate-uranium project (progressing to Bankable Feasibility Study stage to build what will be a ‘state of the art’ vertically integrated mining and chemical processing facility).
  • Mt Porter and Kurinelli gold projects.
  • Hammer Hill base metal joint venture with Mithril Resources Ltd and BHP Billiton.
    Jervois magnetite-vanadium project.

Arafura Resources is working through the exploration and feasibility phase of development with geology staff overseeing drilling activities on site.

The Company is positive about future prospects and as such, anticipate that further staff will be required. They currently have the following Greenfields professional opportunities:

• PRINCIPLE MINING ENGINEER
• SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER
• SENIOR ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEER

Send your application to applications@globe24-7.com or fax to 08 9328 3177. Initial enquiries can be made to Lachlan Spicer on 08 9328 3100.

Arafura is also accepting expressions for general, technical and management positions. Click here to submit your expression of interest: http://www.arafuraresources.com.au/careers


TAGS: Blue Collar, Managerial, Professional, NT