Strategic Education Initiative Strengthens Mrima Hill Development Proposal
RareX Limited (ASX: REE) has taken a significant step toward building lasting value in Kenya with the announcement of a five-year sponsorship agreement with Curtin University. The program will support Kenyan students in critical minerals education, creating a skilled workforce pipeline for the proposed Mrima Hill Critical Minerals Project.
The initiative represents more than corporate philanthropy – it forms a cornerstone of RareX's comprehensive development model for Mrima Hill, one of Africa's most strategic rare earth and niobium projects. This educational component complements the company's broader consortium proposal alongside Iluka Resources, which was submitted to the Kenyan government in April 2025.
"This partnership with Curtin University is an investment in the future of Kenya's critical minerals sector, and a clear signal of our commitment to do things the right way; by investing in people, in skills, and in long-term community benefit. We are not just proposing a mine; we are proposing an ecosystem of value that begins with education and builds sustainable sovereign benefits."
- James Durrant, Managing Director of RareX
Building Human Capital for Kenyan Critical Minerals
The Curtin University partnership extends beyond financial sponsorship, encompassing a comprehensive Strategic Skills Development Partnership. This collaboration aims to create lasting capabilities within Kenya's critical minerals sector through:
• Curriculum Development: Joint work to develop technical, environmental, and operational skills aligned with critical minerals mining and processing
• Scholarship Pathways: Enabling Kenyan students to study mining-related disciplines at Curtin with on-the-job training opportunities
• Research Collaboration: Joint technical and educational research ensuring Mrima Hill development reflects international best practices
The initiative represents a holistic approach to project development that places social outcomes and local capacity building at the centre of RareX's strategy.
Mrima Hill: A Model for International Cooperation
The Mrima Hill proposal exemplifies a new model of responsible resource development through strategic international partnerships:
| Partner | Contribution to Mrima Hill Development |
|---|---|
| Iluka Resources | Government-backed Eneabba rare earths refinery |
| Ausenco | EPCM and local construction capability |
| WSP | Socio-environmental expertise |
| GEM | U.S.-aligned $25M financing facility |
| Curtin University | Educational development and research |
| NAMICO | Kenya's state mining company (proposed JV partner) |
Located on the Indian Ocean Rim, the project strengthens Commonwealth cooperation and creates trilateral alignment across Kenya, Australia, and the United States – positioning it as a strategically significant development in the critical minerals landscape.
Understanding Carbonatites: The Geological Foundation of RareX's Strategy
What Are Carbonatites and Why Do They Matter?
Carbonatites are relatively rare igneous rocks composed of more than 50% carbonate minerals. These unusual geological formations are exceptionally important to the critical minerals sector for several reasons:
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Enriched Mineral Content: Carbonatites typically contain high concentrations of rare earth elements, niobium, phosphate, and other critical minerals essential for renewable energy technologies and advanced electronics.
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Processing Advantages: The carbonate mineralogy often allows for simpler processing compared to other rare earth deposits, potentially lowering extraction costs and environmental impacts.
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Multi-Element Potential: Most carbonatites contain multiple valuable elements, improving project economics through potential co-product revenue streams.
RareX has strategically built its portfolio around carbonatite deposits, including both the Cummins Range Project in Australia and the proposed Mrima Hill development in Kenya. This geological focus gives the company specialised expertise in a high-value niche of the critical minerals sector.
RareX's Growing Portfolio of Strategic Assets
While the Mrima Hill proposal represents a major international expansion, RareX maintains a diverse portfolio of critical minerals projects:
| Project | Key Details | Strategic Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cummins Range | Australia's largest undeveloped rare earths project with $330M NPV8 post-tax | Near-term development potential with magnet rare earths, phosphate, gallium and scandium |
| Mt Mansbridge | Xenotime heavy rare earths project | Strategic heavy rare earths potential |
| Khaleesi Project | District-scale alkaline intrusive complex | Elevated gallium & niobium potential |
| Piper Project | Newly acquired carbonatite project | Along trend from Nolans Bore and Luni niobium deposit |
The company also holds strategic investments in Kincora Copper (ASX:KCC), Cosmos Exploration (ASX:C1X) and Canada Rare Earth Corporation (LL.V), further diversifying its exposure to the critical minerals sector.
Investment Thesis: Positioning for the Critical Minerals Supercycle
RareX has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of several powerful market forces:
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Critical Minerals Supply Security: Western nations are actively seeking reliable, non-Chinese sources of rare earths and other critical minerals.
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Vertically Integrated Development: The Iluka partnership provides access to rare earth processing capacity at Eneabba, creating a more complete value chain.
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ESG-First Development Model: By prioritising educational partnerships, community development, and environmental best practices from project inception, RareX is building projects aligned with modern investor expectations.
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Multi-Commodity Exposure: With projects containing rare earths, niobium, gallium, scandium, and phosphate, RareX offers diversified exposure to several high-growth critical mineral markets.
The RareX Kenyan scholarship program, if accepted by the Kenyan government, would significantly accelerate RareX's transition from explorer to producer while establishing a model for responsible international development.
Why Investors Should Watch RareX
RareX represents a differentiated investment opportunity in the critical minerals sector for several compelling reasons:
• Strategic Portfolio: The company has assembled a focused portfolio of carbonatite-hosted critical minerals projects, leveraging specialised geological expertise
• Advanced Development: The Cummins Range project offers near-term development potential with a robust $330M NPV
• International Growth: The Mrima Hill proposal provides significant upside through responsible development of one of Africa's premier critical minerals assets
• Strong Partnerships: Collaborations with industry leaders like Iluka Resources, WSP, Ausenco, and Curtin University provide technical and commercial advantages
• ESG Leadership: By embedding social and educational outcomes into project development from inception, RareX is building a sustainable development model aligned with future investment criteria
With critical minerals demand projected to grow substantially to support global energy transition and technology development, RareX is positioning itself as a responsible supplier with multiple pathways to value creation.
Key Takeaway:
"RareX has positioned itself as an emerging leader in critical minerals development, with a differentiated approach that integrates community development, education, and environmental stewardship from project inception. With multiple development pathways across Australia and Kenya, and strong partnerships with industry leaders, investors should closely monitor the company's progress as it advances its strategic portfolio."
Want to Invest in a Critical Minerals Leader with Global Potential?
To learn more about RareX's strategic approach to critical minerals development, including their Curtin University partnership and the promising Mrima Hill proposal, visit their announcements page. Discover how this ASX-listed company is positioning itself at the forefront of responsible resource development with assets spanning Australia and Kenya. Click here to access the full announcement and explore potential investment opportunities in this emerging critical minerals leader.
