Construction has begun at Nolans, the Territory’s largest mining investment and first Significant Project.
Site construction has begun at the Nolans Rare Earths Project, with the first sod turned on 8 October 2026 at the mine site 135 kilometres north of Alice Springs.
The $1.6 billion project is the largest mining investment in Northern Territory history. It will be Australia’s first fully integrated ore-to-oxide rare earths operation and only the third of its kind outside mainland China, producing neodymium-praseodymium oxide for the permanent magnets used in advanced manufacturing, defence systems and renewable energy technologies.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley, Treasurer Bill Yan and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Steve Edgington joined Federal Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King and Arafura Rare Earths Managing Director and CEO Darryl Cuzzubbo for the ceremony.
Nolans, Beetaloo and the Northern Marine Complex are nation-building projects that show the Territory is delivering clear pathways through government for proponents, with accountability and oversight intact.
Nolans was designated the first Significant Project under the Territory Coordinator Act 2025 on 1 June 2026, following Arafura’s Final Investment Decision on 21 May. The designation enables a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to support delivery.
The project is expected to deliver jobs for Territorians at every level, from local employment to work for Territory businesses, and to help position Australia as a secure and reliable source of the rare earths that advanced manufacturing and defence technologies depend on.
Nolans is forecast to contribute $25.2 billion to the Territory economy over its 38-year operating life and to support more than 600 construction jobs and around 350 ongoing operational roles. Alice Springs is positioned as the logistics, services and workforce hub for construction and the decades of operations that follow.
The project builds on a Native Title Agreement in place since 2020 and on Arafura’s Territory Benefit Plan, which commits to local participation and shared benefits.
More than 70 work packages have already been advertised through ICN NT, and further industry briefings will be held in Alice Springs and Darwin in November.
Territory businesses interested in work contract opportunities can register through ICN NT.
First production is targeted for mid-2029, with full operation from 2030.