EPC contract officially awarded for Yangibana rare earths facility

Hastings Technology Metals and GR Engineering Services (GRES) have announced that the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the beneficiation plant and associated infrastructure at the Yangibana Rare Earths Project is now being executed. 

The contract will have no material departure from the binding terms sheet that was signed in May of this year. 

“The signing of the EPC contract with GR Engineering for the delivery of the beneficiation plant at Yangibana is another important milestone in our development plan for bringing this world-class project into production. The fixed price contract and strong credentials of GR Engineering gives us a high level of confidence in the delivery of this critical infrastructure ahead of first rare earth production in Q2 2025,” Hastings Technology Metals Executive Chairman Charles Lew said. 

The $210 million EPC contract will get GRES to design and build the Yangibana beneficiation plant as well as all associated infrastructure. Scope of works will include engineering, manufacture, supply, installation, dry and wet commissioning, and testing of the new facility over a period of less than 18 months. 

GRES will continue carrying out early works until full mobilisation to the project site in the fourth quarter of 2023, when all conditions are satisfied. 

“GR Engineering is pleased to be working on this world-class rare earths project in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. The fact that Hastings has recognised the high level of expertise and experience within the GRES process team and broader business is extremely satisfying. We look forward to engaging closely with the Hastings team to deliver safe and successful outcomes for this important project in the critical minerals sector,” GR Engineering Services Managing Director Tony Patrizi said. 

Once the new facility is completed, it is estimated to have a feed capacity of 1.1Mtpa and a 37,000 tonnes per annum output capacity of rare earth concentrate. 

Project location (source: Hastings Technology Metals)

The Yangibana Rare Earths Project is located in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia, about 250 kilometres northeast of Carnarvon. The project covers approximately 650 square kilometres of land containing substantial Neodymium and Praseodymium resources. 

The project is estimated to generate 500 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phase and around 250 operational jobs. 

Source: GR Engineering Services; Hastings Technology Metals Limited (1, 2); Australian Mining