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Arafura Advances Major Rare Earths Mine as Western Nations Scramble for Supply

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd. has greenlit development of its Nolans project in Australia's Northern Territory, positioning the operation to supply roughly 5% of global rare earth production. The investment decision comes as Western governments accelerate efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains for critical minerals essential to modern technology and defense systems. Australia has already moved to force Chinese investors to divest stakes in competing rare earths companies on national security grounds. The US and European Union are pursuing parallel strategies to secure rare earth supplies, with North American producers racing to establish competitive infrastructure. Industry executives warn that domestic production will take years to materialize, underscoring the urgency of diversifying global supply networks.