Speech at Arafura Rare Earths Nolans Project groundbreaking ceremony

Introduction

Good afternoon everyone. 

I too, want to start by acknowledging the traditional custodians and owners of the land in which we are today. 

And I really want to thank each and every one of you for your contribution to this project. 

And no misunderstanding, the contribution of your land to this project and your participation in it is of significance not only for you and your people and future generations of traditional owners here, but also the whole of the Territory and indeed the whole of the country. 

So, it really is a gift that you are giving to us as a nation, but also to the world and the global supply chain of these products that have been beneath your feet and your many generations of Indigenous peoples for tens of thousands of years. 

So, thank you all so very much for all you are doing for our country. 

I’d like to acknowledge several people who have made the journey to be here today: 

• Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State  
• Chief Minister of the NT, The Hon Lia Finocchiaro 
• The Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP   
• Deputy Chief Minister, NT, Gerard Maley 
• Opposition Leader in the NT, Selina Uibo 
• CEO of the Central Land Council, Les Turner 
• Colin Crosby, Melbourne Consul General, USA 
• Marie Ilman, Head of Minerals Division, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, as well as representatives from:  
• NAIF 
• NRFC 
• EFA 

In particular I would like to acknowledge:  

• CEO and MD of Arafura, Darryl Cuzzubbo 
• Chair of the Arafura Board Mark Southey 
• Other members of the Arafura Board  

The Nolans Project

It’s a pleasure to be here – because today is a big day: for Arafura, for the Territory, and for Australia and our international partners. 

We have been working with Darryl and his team on the Nolans Project from almost the very first day that I took office as Australia’s Minister for Resources.  

It has been quite the journey (as they say).

I recall standing alongside the then-CEO and the former NT Chief Minister Lawler in March 2024 where we announced an $840 million funding package for Nolans through Export Finance Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. 

About a year later, this was backed in about a year later by a $200m commitment from Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund. 

In that time, Arafura and the Australian Government have worked closely together to attract strategic investments from a range of international partners, including The German Raw Materials Fund, Export Development Canada, the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM), the Export-Import Bank of the United States.  

Indeed, this project was at the top of the agenda when I joined the Prime Minister and President Trump at the White House this time last year.  

The signing of the landmark Australia-US framework agreement on critical minerals was accompanied by an additional equity investment from the Australian Government into Nolans. 

Arafura has also attracted significant private sector investment and offtake arrangements from Hanock, from counterparts in Korea [Hyundai/Kia], India [NanTech], Germany [Siemens Gamesa], Europe and the USA [Traxys], and it’s fantastic to see so many firms represented here today. 

Earlier this year, our government made its first commitment under the world-leading Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve to the Nolans Project, which importantly allowed for a Final Investment Decision to be taken.  

We are proud to support this project.

Nolans is a demonstration of what private industry and governments – federal, state and internationally – can accomplish when they work together to help address critical supply chain challenges.  

Nolans will become Australia’s first integrated ore-to-oxide rare earths facility, not only mining rare earths but processing them here as well. 

Once it’s up and running, it will supply as much as five percent of the world’s demand for the rare earths that go into the high-performance magnets that power everything from EVs to fighter jets and submarines. 

That’s important because when we talk critical minerals, we are talking about sovereign capabilities that will help secure our national security. 

Territory Economic Benefits

This is also a big day for the Territory’s economy. 

Nolans will create around 600 jobs during construction, 350 ongoing jobs once operational, and the project is expected to contribute more than $25 billion to the Territory’s economy over its lifetime. 

It also includes strong commitments to Indigenous employment and a comprehensive Native Title Agreement with Traditional Owners. 

Conclusion 

A lot of hard work has happened to get us here and a lot of hard work remains ahead of us. 

In a time where these supply chains are increasingly contested, the importance of that new, alternate supply cannot be understated.  

This project enhances our sovereign capability and our national security, right here in the beating heart of our great country.  

But today, we break ground – and we celebrate. 

Congratulations to Arafura and my sincere thanks to everyone who made this possible. 

Thank you.