To succeed in rare-earths mining, support the whole supply chain
A new generation of Australian rare-earths projects is moving towards production, with several targeting first output between 2027 and 2030, and the next challenge is ensuring this production can move through commercially viable supply chains. Some projects have clearer downstream pathways: concentrate from Astron's Donald project is intended for Energy Fuels' White Mesa facility, Goschen and Browns Range are set to supply Iluka's Eneabba refinery, and Arafura's Nolans project has binding offtake agreements, while North Stanmore has a non-binding arrangement and Dubbo, Fingerboards and Avonbank have yet to secure binding offtake. The International Energy Agency is cited as finding that by 2035 refining capacity in diversified regions will equal around two-thirds of expected mined supply, while planned magnet production will account for only around one-third.
Why it matters: The article addresses the critical-minerals and supply-chain resilience theme by arguing that government support for rare-earths mining must be coordinated and sequenced with downstream processing and manufacturing capacity in Australia and partner countries.