RareX Advances Mrima Hill Critical Minerals Project with WSP Partnership

Securing a Global Critical Minerals Opportunity in Kenya

RareX Limited (ASX: REE) has taken a significant step forward in its development strategy for the Mrima Hill Critical Minerals Project in Kenya by appointing WSP, a leading global advisory firm, to lead environmental and social foundational planning work. This strategic partnership demonstrates RareX's commitment to embedding responsible development practices from the earliest stages of the project.

The Mrima Hill project represents a globally significant rare earth and niobium opportunity that is also prospective for manganese and phosphate. RareX, along with consortium partner Iluka and other supporting institutions, submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Kenyan government in April 2025, positioning the company at the forefront of critical minerals development in East Africa.

Strategic Importance of the Mrima Hill Project

Mrima Hill stands as a cornerstone asset in RareX's growing portfolio of critical mineral projects. The deposit's strategic value is underscored by:

• A globally significant rare earth and niobium resource
• Additional prospectivity for manganese and phosphate
• Strong consortium backing including Iluka Resources, alongside U.S. expert institutions and financiers
• Strategic alignment with both Western and Kenyan national interests in critical minerals security

James Durrant, Managing Director of RareX, emphasised the project's significance: "This is a project of national importance, and we are approaching it with the respect and readiness it demands. We know how important this region is — socially, and environmentally — and we're taking deliberate steps to show we're the right long-term partner for Kenya and for Kwale County."

Environmental and Social Governance at the Core

The engagement of WSP highlights RareX's commitment to establishing robust environmental and social governance frameworks before ground access is even secured. This proactive approach demonstrates that ESG performance is not simply an add-on but fundamental to RareX's operational philosophy.

WSP's scope of work includes:

1. Gap analysis of existing environmental and social data across Mrima Hill
2. Early stakeholder mapping and community engagement support
3. Identification and onboarding of Kenyan-based partners
4. Establishment of a project-specific social performance framework
5. Scoping of environmental and social baseline studies

This comprehensive approach ensures the project will align with both international standards and local expectations, creating a foundation for sustainable development that benefits all stakeholders.

Leveraging Previous Experience for Future Success

RareX and WSP have a successful track record of collaboration, particularly on the Cummins Range project in Western Australia's environmentally and culturally sensitive Kimberley region. This experience provides valuable technical and socio-environmental learnings directly applicable to Mrima Hill.

"WSP is one of the world's leading ESG consultants, with deep experience supporting projects in complex and sensitive jurisdictions. Their global reach and ability to integrate project delivery with Kenyan partners will be key to aligning our approach with community expectations and international leading practice." — James Durrant, Managing Director

Understanding ESG in Critical Minerals Development

What is ESG-Led Development?

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) led development represents a fundamental shift in how mining projects are conceptualised and executed. Rather than treating environmental protection and community relations as compliance requirements, ESG-led approaches integrate these considerations into the core project design and business strategy.

For investors, this approach has significant implications:

• Risk mitigation: Projects with strong ESG foundations typically face fewer operational disruptions, regulatory challenges, and community conflicts
• Access to capital: As ESG criteria become increasingly important to financiers, projects with robust frameworks often secure funding on more favourable terms
• Social licence to operate: Community support secured through genuine engagement creates operational stability and potential for long-term partnerships
• Enhanced project value: Well-designed ESG programs can reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and create new value streams

At Mrima Hill specifically, RareX's ESG-led approach includes early integration of Kenyan partners, emphasis on local knowledge and teams, and application of international standards tailored to the specific local context.

RareX's Development Timeline and Strategic Position

RareX has outlined a phased development pathway for Mrima Hill that aligns with Kenyan sovereignty while enabling efficient resource development. The company's approach ensures it is prepared to advance rapidly once licensing is granted, without compromising on environmental or social commitments.

Key aspects of RareX's strategic positioning include:

• Early preparation: Building environmental and social frameworks before ground access
• Integrated development: Treating ESG as foundational rather than secondary
• International standards with local implementation: Applying global best practices through Kenyan partnerships
• Operational readiness: Demonstrating capacity and capability as a disciplined Australian operator

This comprehensive approach positions RareX to capitalise on the growing demand for responsibly sourced critical minerals, particularly rare earths and niobium that are essential for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.

RareX's Expanding Critical Minerals Portfolio

Beyond Mrima Hill, RareX maintains a diversified portfolio of critical minerals projects focused on rare earths and niobium in hard rock carbonatites:

• Cummins Range Project: A post-tax NPV8 of +$330 million, containing rare earths, gallium, scandium, and phosphate. Technically Australia's largest undeveloped rare earths project.
• Khaleesi Project: A district-scale, elevated-niobium, alkaline intrusive complex in East Yilgarn
• Mt Mansbridge Project: Xenotime heavy rare earths project near Browns Range
• Piper Project: Recently acquired "bulls-eye" project along trend from Nolans Bore and the Luni niobium deposit

The company also maintains strategic investments in Kincora Copper (ASX:KCC), Cosmos Exploration (ASX:C1X), and Canada Rare Earth Corporation (LL.V), further diversifying its exposure to critical minerals.

Why Investors Should Follow RareX

RareX represents a compelling investment proposition for those seeking exposure to the rapidly growing critical minerals sector:

1. Strategic asset development: The Mrima Hill project offers exposure to globally significant rare earth and niobium resources with additional mineral potential
2. ESG leadership: Demonstrated commitment to responsible development practices from project inception
3. Diversified portfolio: Multiple critical minerals projects across various development stages
4. Strong partnerships: Consortium approach with major industry players like Iluka and leading global advisors like WSP
5. Experienced management: Team with proven track record in navigating complex jurisdictions and technical challenges

With its proactive approach to environmental and social planning at Mrima Hill, RareX has positioned itself as a responsible developer of critical minerals assets with significant growth potential. As global demand for rare earths and other critical minerals continues to accelerate, companies like RareX that combine resource quality with responsible development practices are well-positioned to deliver long-term value to shareholders.

The company's focus on establishing strong foundations before development begins demonstrates a strategic vision that aligns with both investor expectations and host community needs—a balanced approach that characterises the most successful resource development companies in today's market.

Want to Invest in a World-Class Critical Minerals Opportunity?

Discover how RareX is positioning itself at the forefront of responsible critical minerals development with its globally significant Mrima Hill project in Kenya. With strong consortium backing, a comprehensive ESG framework, and an expanding portfolio of rare earths and niobium assets, RareX offers investors exposure to the rapidly growing critical minerals sector. To learn more about this compelling investment opportunity and RareX's strategic development plans, visit their latest announcement.