The attacks are focusing on Lynas’ environmental record in Malaysia in an attempt to turn public opinion against a new plant it’s building in Texas with US government funding.
The iron ore mining company has pegged out several tenements west of Ravensthorpe as it chases deposits for metals which will help fuel a renewable energy transition.
Lynas says a rapidly increasing shift to electric vehicles and wind energy has prompted it to expand its Western Australian mine.
There has been a jump in mining activity in areas managed by the parks authority while environment groups also rally against exploration applications by two of the state’s biggest miners.
Australia’s mining industry leaders say the prospect of the United States directly funding local projects could turbocharge the country’s ability to process critical minerals.
Mineral sands miner Iluka will demerge its Sierra Leone mines less than five years after purchasing the troubled assets,as it focuses on Australia and diversifying into rare earths.
Mineral sands miner Iluka will spend $1.2 billion to produce rare earths essential for electric vehicles and wind turbines with backing from a federal fund designed to help wean the west off a reliance on China for critical minerals.
A new report has found Australia should offer global manufacturers incentives to set up an electric car industry given all the natural advantages the nation enjoys.
‘Many supply chains are yet to return to normal,and we see this continuing for some time,’ says Lynas CEO Amanda Lacaze.
China accounts for the majority of the global production of the minerals used in crucial technologies - from smartphones and cars to cruise missiles.
European automakers are in discussions with Australian rare earths explorer Arafura Resources about sourcing elements that help power electric cars from outside China,which dominates global supply.