Australian Rare Earths Limited (AR3) is progressing the exploration and development of a significant deposit of valuable clay-hosted rare earth elements in South Australia.

The Koppamurra Project, located a 3.5 hour drive south-east of Adelaide (Naracoorte area) is home to some of the state's most strategic and nationally recognised primary production areas. Importantly as a new industry sector to the region, co-existence is a fundamental principle which will sustain our acceptance and social tenure. Our social investment focus is to provide meaningful and positive local community impact.

One of our key engagement activities in the region has been our active involvement in STEM programs - with particular focus on the important role critical minerals, such as rare earths play in a renewable economy which we have rolled out across local schools. Through professional development workshops, Australian Rare Earths aims to provide teachers with the knowledge, insights and materials needed to be at ease with resource sector-based STEM subject matter, incorporating South Australia’s important resource sector into the curriculum.

Being a member of the local community, we know that teachers in rural schools are often tasked with teaching subjects outside of their tertiary training. In particular, the shortage of teachers who have a strong understanding of earth sciences and the role the resource sector plays in supplying the everyday products we are so reliant upon. Providing teachers with training and vocational support to better inform the role the resources sector plays will hopefully provide not only a stronger curriculum but enlighten students to the possibilities of career pathways available across the broader resources sector.

As Australian Rare Earths are aiming to commence mining operations in approximately 3 years’ time, we believe investing in educating a future local workforce, will not only provide new employment opportunities, but will ensure the community as a whole are better informed of the science and engineering, which importantly incorporates the critical environmental and safety controls, that underpins the operational foundation of today’s resources sector.

To be recognised by the state of South Australia as a leader in community engagement not only validates our investment in the sector, but recognises the efforts of our people, and the daily contributions they make to leave a lasting positive impact on the communities in which we are proudly a part of.  As an organisation with science and engineering at it roots, the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience to support STEM programs in local schools is not only a privilege, but a significant driver of staff engagement, giving back to the communities which have openly welcomed Australian Rare Earths.

As a strong supporter of South Australia, Australian Rare Earths believe the Premier's Awards for Energy and Mining provide the opportunity to share with the sector what ‘best in class’ looks like across the resource sector.

Working in a Class 1 Mining jurisdiction, South Australia provides the resources sector with a pragmatic set of regulations, with the right balance of oversight and control to empower organisations such as Australian Rare Earths to develop critical resources in-demand resources such as heavy rare earth minerals.

Coupled with high living standards, access to some of Australia’s best natural features, and high education standards and some of the country’s leading research institutions, Australian Rare Earths cannot think of a better place to base its emerging critical rare earths business.

The potential nature and scale of mining rare earths minerals at Koppamurra is multi-generational.

As a leading developer of Rare Earth Minerals in South Australia, we believe the critical importance the resource will play in a decarbonised economy. In addition, providing the globe with a responsibly mined source of rare earth minerals, provides the industry with a distinct supply chain advantage over competitors developing similar resources outside of Australia.

A legacy we aim to ensure is maintained for the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The Koppamurra Project is an exciting development for South Australia with the potential for a new industry to be built in the state’s south-east that has the potential to create long term job career opportunities and economic growth for local residents.

As our operations are based in a regional community, it is a priority for us to be a welcomed and accepted member of these communities. We contribute to the communities where we operate by employing local people, providing compensation to local landholders, and purchasing local goods and services wherever possible. We are proud of the valuable contribution we make to the communities where we operate. The economic contribution we make is an important part of this.

We believe having the Premier of South Australia recognise these efforts, provides an important platform for industry to set the bar on what ‘best in class’ looks like for not only South Australia, but the industry as a whole.

Seeing the positive effect and feedback from Australian Rare Earths contribution to the STEM programs within local schools. This has been backed up by a growing interest as seen by students participating in career fairs and site excursions to site operations in an around the Naracoorte area.

As a local resident in the Naracoorte region, I have seen not only the growth of Australian Rare Earths as a new employer in the region, but I have first-hand experienced the growth in respect for the company, in particular the acknowledgment from landholders on the high value the company places on positive engagement and the courteous and considered manner we conduct our operations.

Great career opportunities, a lifestyle enviable to most western economies and amazing people!

Amazing technical challenges and opportunities, but respectful in acknowledging the industry only remains sustainable as long as it creates symbiotic relationships within the communities in which it operates.