Eight community representatives have been appointed to sit on the newly formed Community Consultation Committee (CCC) for Australian Rare Earths’ (AR3) controversial Koppamurra Project, a move the company says will strengthen local input.
According to AR3, this is the beginning of formal consultation on the proposed rare earths mine as the exploration company moves towards a mining licence application.
Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross, and local businessman Darren Turner are amongst the eight representatives on the CCC.
The other six members include:
- Ken Turner – Landowner
- Todd Woodard – Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association
- Tony Wright – Green Triangle Forestry
- Steve Bourne – Limestone Coast Landscape Board
- Will Malone – Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council
- Erika Vickery – Regional Development Association
AR3 managing director Travis Beinke will also sit on the CCC. A representative of the Department for Energy and Mining as well as Rural Support Landowner Information Services will attend meetings in an advisory capacity.
AR3 said the members represented a diverse group of stakeholders from within agricultural, land, forestry, wine industry, council, local business, regional development, and the Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association.
Mr Ross said he would consider all information that comes to the CCC through the lens of what it meant for ratepayers and local government assets, including roads.
“I’m approaching the CCC with an open mind,” the mayor said.
“I have absolute confidence, as can the community, that the committee will ensure all aspects of the proposed rare earths mine are fully investigated including social, environmental, and economic considerations.”
Committee chair Iain Evans said members were the voices of stakeholder groups they represented, and he was pleased with the recruitment of a diverse representation.
“This is the beginning of a constructive, formalised dialogue between AR3 and key stakeholders. Members will be able to ask questions and raise concerns from those they represent which will be addressed through the CCC process,” Mr Evans said in a statement.
“Each member has affirmed their commitment to this independent process and our first meeting went well with members hearing the latest update on the project from AR3 and raising issues they would like further information on in future meetings.
“Members understand the responsibility they have in what will be a respectful conversation about the issues surrounding the proposed rare earths mine and I’m confident this will be a highly informative exercise for all.”
He said the Koppamurra Project had many requirements it must address, but it was also the responsibility of the local government to consider any proposal fully, including opportunities for increased economic activity.
AR3 managing director Travis Beinke said he was looking forward to sharing updates with the group as AR3 embarks on a pre-feasibility study and moves towards finalising the mine plan.
“AR3 remains committed to meaningful consultation as we progress to the next stage of the Koppamurra Project,” Mr Beinke said.
“This is a journey we began with the local community four years ago and we are pleased to be formalising this conversation with key representatives of the community.
“Feedback we receive from members will inform our processes and plans as well as the focus of our studies.
“AR3 will lodge an application to mine only once we are satisfied, we can operate in an environmentally sustainable and economically viable way. We are confident that we can do this.”
The Koppamurra Project is one of the most advanced ionic clay rare earths projects in Australia.
The proposed mining lease covers 20km² in South Australia with only a portion of this area expected to be mined.
The committee will hold quarterly meetings.
This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 8 October 2025.
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