Northern Minerals opens Browns Range

Northern Minerals has today officially opened its Browns Range heavy rare earths project in the Kimberley, the first plant of its kind outside of China.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan opened the project, which initially comprises a three-year pilot plant that will be used to assess the feasibility of a full-scale project.

The main products at the project are dysprosium and terbium.

Dysprosium is used in the construction of electric vehicles, while both rare earths are used in wind turbines, industrial robots and air-conditioning, among other technologies.

Managing director George Bauk said the opening of the project was the launch of a new industry in Australia.

“Australia is now a heavy rare earths producer,” he said.

“I am extremely proud of the entire Northern Minerals team as well as our construction partners that have helped make this project a reality.

“We are also particularly grateful for the support that we have received for the project from the WA state government and the federal government.

“Projects such as Browns Range highlight the success of the federal government’s R&D Tax Incentive Scheme for stimulating the emergence of new industries.”

Shares in Northern finished up 10.8 per cent at 9.2 cents each today.