Mipac chosen to deliver Arafura Rare Earths Project process control system

Mipac has been chosen, over several competitors, to deliver the plantwide process control system (PWCS) for Arafura Rare Earths Limited’s Nolans Project in the Northern Territory, solidifying Mipac’s reputation and ability to deliver next-generation projects.

The confirmation follows an almost two-year long competitive process and will see Mipac supplying project management, engineering, commissioning and training services for the globally leading critical mineral supplier over the next two years.

Over its 38-year mine life, the Nolans Rare Earths Project, 135km from Alice Springs, is set to supply ~4% of the world’s neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) oxide demand.

These critical minerals are used in the production of permanent NdFeB magnets (such as those in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, e-bikes, and consumer electronics), as well as energy efficiency lighting, motors, speakers, air conditioning and more.

Mipac’s Managing Director Eddie de Rivera says this is a fantastic opportunity for Mipac to showcase its expertise and solidify its position as its supplier of choice in the mining industry’s transition to a Net Zero future.

“Being chosen to deliver the process control system for the Nolans project is a testament to the hard work and skills that we have within the Mipac team,” he said.

“Over the past 26 years, we have been honoured to have worked on some of the mining industry’s biggest global projects and the team has consistently gone beyond the solution to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.

“Our strength lies in our ability to understand our customers – thanks to our engineers’ wealth of onsite experience – as well as our knack for thinking outside the box and co-designing innovative solutions that not only meet the needs of today but ensures future needs are addressed as well.

“I am excited about what the Nolans Project means for Mipac – especially our growing Perth team – and what it means for the future of mining in Australia.”

Mipac’s involvement in the project will ramp up in the second half of 2024, once Arafura has finalised its investment decisions.