Massive rare earth find in the outback? RareX Limited hits jackpot with untapped NT target

In a major development for the rare earths industry, Australian company RareX Limited has secured a pivotal agreement to explore the Piper Project, located in the Northern Territory’s Aileron Province. This highly strategic acquisition aims to tap into a largely untested 2.5km wide magnetic anomaly—believed to contain significant deposits of rare earth elements and niobium—making it a crucial step for RareX in solidifying its role as a leader in the global rare earths sector.

This carbonatite pipe target, identified by the geophysical team at Resource Potentials, adds a new dimension to RareX’s growing portfolio of rare earth projects, already well established through its flagship Cummins Range and Khaleesi projects. The Piper Project promises to bolster RareX’s exploration portfolio, which the company’s managing director, James Durrant, confidently describes as a “robust medium-term proposition.”

Located approximately 320 kilometers northwest of Alice Springs and just 170 kilometers from Arafura Resources’ world-class Nolans Bore deposit, Piper is positioned in a prime area for rare earths exploration. The deal struck with True Fella Pty Ltd outlines a five-year earn-in period, during which RareX will drill at least three 300-meter deep holes, for a total of at least 1,000 meters, in order to gain an 80% interest in the project. The early stages of exploration are set to begin by 2025, once heritage agreements are finalized.

RareX’s ability to secure such a significant project signals its confidence in the potential of the region, which is known for its mineralized alkaline magmatism related to mantle hotspots. The Aileron Province has already been recognized for its wealth of niobium and phosphate occurrences, and experts believe the area could hold one of Australia’s largest untapped carbonatite resources.

James Durrant, RareX’s managing director, emphasized the importance of the Piper Project within their larger exploration strategy, stating that the structure of the deal ensures that exploration funds go directly into the ground. He conveyed confidence in True Fella’s geophysical model, viewing it as complementary to RareX’s existing niobium and rare earth element projects.

RareX is no stranger to rare earths exploration success. The company’s Cummins Range project, with a post-tax net present value of over $330 million, is recognized as one of Australia’s largest undeveloped rare earth deposits. The addition of the Piper Project could strengthen RareX’s dominance in the rare earth sector, providing a pipeline of exploration activities designed to secure a stable supply of these critical minerals, which are increasingly essential for global industries, including electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

Expert Opinion:

A leading industry expert emphasized the importance of RareX’s new venture, noting that the region’s proven history of hosting significant niobium and rare earth deposits increases the likelihood that the Piper Project will yield promising results. They pointed out that the magnetic anomaly at Piper shows strong indicators of a carbonatite system, which, if confirmed through drilling, could result in a major rare earth discovery. Additionally, the expert highlighted RareX’s extensive experience in developing rare earth projects, suggesting that this expertise positions the company well to maximize the project’s potential.

With competition for rare earths intensifying worldwide, RareX’s strategic moves demonstrate its commitment to staying ahead in the race for these critical minerals. The global demand for rare earths, driven by their importance in high-tech applications, green energy, and national security, is expected to grow exponentially, positioning RareX as a key player in the industry’s future.