Australia’s Arafura inks rare-earth supply deal with Hyundai and Kia

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Neodymium-Praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, an element used in the making of electric motors for electric vehicles, is prized by automobile companies making the green energy transition.

Under the agreement, Arafura will supply contract quantities of NdPr over seven years that could increase up to 1,500 tonnes per year from the fourth year when its Nolans project in Australia’s Northern Territory begins production, it said in a statement.

Supply of the element is currently anticipated to commence in 2025 subject to project financing, construction and commissioning of the project.

The Perth-based miner also signed an agreement to begin talks for strategic investment with Hyundai and its affiliates, it said.

In July, Arafura signed a non-binding agreement to help GE Renewable Energy build a supply chain that it will need to manufacture offshore wind turbines.