Tag: neodymium and praseodymium

Arafura to build processing plant in NT

Arafura to build processing plant in NT

BY ELIZABETH FABRI NEODYMIUM and praseodymium explorer Arafura Resources has announced it will build a $US80 million separation plant for its Nolans rare earths project in the Northern Territory as opposed to overseas. The company has been determining the feasibility of the location of the plant for years, with the preferred site originally an industrial estate in South Korea. NT chief minister Michael Gunner said the Government had been working with Arafura throughout the year to secure the plant for the Territory. “Creating local jobs is the Territory Government’s number one priority. “This announcement is a significant vote of investor confidence in the NT and will contribute to the creation of around 500 construction jobs with 350-370...

Northern Minerals: Heavy Expectations

Northern Minerals: Heavy Expectations

All Images: Northern Minerals. BY CAMERON DRUMMOND NORTHERN Minerals’ Browns Range heavy rare earth (HRE) project is underway, with a Stage 1 pilot plant near completion amidst big plans to meet the growing demand for dysprosium. 160KM south east of Halls Creek in northern WA, Browns Range represents an opportunity for Australia to become a leading producer of dysprosium outside China. The little-read-about element is crucial to the manufacture of permanent magnets and a fundamental ingredient in high-torque motors used in wind turbines as well as electric vehicles, which use about 100 grams of the HRE. Dysprosium makes magnets last longer and retain efficiency at extremely high temperatures. It also makes up part of the control rods...