Governance Reshuffle at Arafura Rare Earths Amid Project Financing Push

Arafura Rare Earths has announced a restructuring of its corporate secretariat, effective immediately. This administrative shift occurs as the company advances its flagship Nolans project toward key development milestones. For shareholders, the move ensures continued clarity in the critical processes governing exchange communications and regulatory compliance.

The company confirmed that Lewis Lowe has retired from his position as Joint Company Secretary. Stepping back into the role is Catherine Huynh, who returns from parental leave. She will now serve alongside Matthew Foy as Joint Company Secretary. The primary responsibility for this duo will be managing all official correspondence and disclosures with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), safeguarding the integrity of the company's reporting obligations.

Project Financing Takes Center Stage

Beyond the governance update, investor focus remains squarely on the financing and development of the Nolans rare earths initiative. Arafura has already assembled a substantial debt package for the project, including US$775 million in senior credit facilities.

Further strengthening its financial position, the company has received a conditional investment commitment of US$200 million from the Australian government's National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC). In a complementary move, Arafura conducted a significant equity raise in October 2025 to provide additional support for Nolans. These combined efforts are pivotal as the company works toward a final investment decision.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Arafura Rare Earths?

The Strategic Nolans Project: Scope and Scale

Located in the Northern Territory approximately 135 kilometers north of Alice Springs, the Nolans project is designed as a vertically integrated processing operation. The plan encompasses everything from ore extraction to oxide production at a single site.

Key operational and economic details include:

• Targeted Annual Output: 4,440 tonnes of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide
• Projected Mine Life: A minimum of 38 years
• Employment Impact: Roughly 600 jobs during construction and around 350 permanent operational roles
• Financing Components: US$200 million NRFC commitment and US$775 million senior debt facilities

NdPr oxide is a crucial material for manufacturing high-performance permanent magnets, which are essential components in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and various defense technologies.

Today's announcement solidifies the leadership framework for ASX communications. Meanwhile, the company's operational momentum continues to build toward securing the remaining financing and reaching the final investment decision for its cornerstone Nolans venture.