Chris Oldfield, Naracoorte Community News

Australian Rare Earths Limited (AREL) has established a regional headquarters in Naracoorte as part of its plan to develop a rare earths operation in the area.

The office at 37-39 MacDonnell Street is set to open in October and will employ two full time staff members as well as support contractors involved in local activities.

The company issued a media release last Friday highlighting the importance of rare earths to the renewable energy sector.

It said the first phase of its exploration program at Koppamurra in April 2021 revealed an economic deposit containing the extractable rare earths that are essential to the growing demand for renewable energy. 

The next phase of exploration at Koppamurra is set to commence in October and will consist of further exploration activities, “to expand upon the previous shallow drilling program and will progress to include various studies and technical work, to help determine a development concept”. 

Non-Executive Chairman Professor Dudley Kingsnorth said: “We see the opening of the Naracoorte office as the starting point of a great opportunity for (AREL) and the whole region which will benefit local businesses, contractors and potential employees as we continue our ongoing assessment of the Project.

“It is our intention to partner with the whole community to grow Koppamurra in a responsible and sustainable manner, building strong relationships to achieve mutual trust, respect and acceptance, and as part of that we have recently appointed, local resident, Jacqui Owen to head up community and land management in the Naracoorte office.

“Jacqui will be on hand to address any questions that you may have with respect to the Koppamurra Project”. 

This article appeared in Naracoorte Community News, 6 October 2021.