Rare earths engineering in action: Smart solutions for the Nolans project
Rare earths engineering plays a critical role in Australia’s push for global supply chain resilience.
At the forefront of this effort is Arafura Rare Earths’ (ASX: ARU) Nolans project, where Delonix Solutions helped shape the design of one of the country’s most advanced rare earths developments.
A focus on performance-led rare earths engineering
From 2021 to 2023, Delonix Solutions partnered with a Tier 1 EPCM provider to support early works and detailed design for the proposed $1b hydrometallurgical facility in the Northern Territory.
Throughout the engagement, our team reviewed and refined the processing plant layout. The goal was to reduce capital costs, improve constructability and accelerate delivery timelines.
Design decisions that drove results
As part of our role as package manager, Delonix Solutions delivered rare earths engineering outcomes that included:
- shrinking the overall plant footprint by 20%;
- switching to more cost-effective construction materials;
- streamlining steel, concrete and piping use;
- designing for heavy crane lifts with pre-cast modules; and
- improving scheduling through layout optimisation.
By collaborating closely with the EPCM team, we identified better-value alternatives while preserving functionality and safety.
We also focused on improving performance, efficiency and execution value across multiple aspects of the proposed plant.
Proven experience and real-world project delivery
Delonix Solutions brought deep technical expertise and on-the-ground practicality.
This combination translated into tangible results. As a result, the facility is more capital-efficient, scalable and construction-ready.
Delonix Solutions technical director Graeme Perkins says “it was a pleasure to be involved in such a groundbreaking project—one that will help power the global transition to renewables”.
To explore the broader context and significance of Nolans, read our feature article here on why this rare earths project is making headlines.
Delonix Solutions provides miners with designs that deliver, backed by real-world results.
Partner with us now for your critical minerals projects. Contact Fil Resnik here.
Delonix Solutions helped shape the Nolans rare earths project, bringing rare earths engineering expertise to one of Australia’s key critical mineral assets.
Aerial view of the site where Delonix Solutions applied rare earths engineering to optimise layout, constructability and delivery for Arafura Rare Earths.
