RareX Partners with Ausenco to Fast-Track Mrima Hill Critical Minerals Project
RareX Limited (ASX: REE) has taken a significant step forward in its development of the strategically important Mrima Hill Critical Minerals Project in Kenya by engaging global engineering firm Ausenco to lead feasibility studies and infrastructure planning.
Ausenco Appointment Strengthens Development Strategy
RareX has formally engaged Australian-based, majority US-owned Ausenco to spearhead early-stage infrastructure and desktop development studies for the Mrima Hill project. Ausenco, a global leader in engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM), brings considerable regional expertise to the partnership.
The appointment is particularly strategic as Ausenco has significant experience in Kenya, having served as the leading EPCM company for the Kwale Mineral Sands Project, located in the same county as Mrima Hill. This regional knowledge provides Ausenco with exceptional local insights that will be valuable to RareX's development approach.
James Durrant, Managing Director of RareX, emphasised the importance of this partnership:
"This is about laying down the foundation for a world-class project—one that is grounded in practicality, regional understanding, and long-term community value. Ausenco has already worked in this part of Kenya and brings a unique ability to translate available knowledge into actionable engineering and infrastructure design."
Mrima Hill: A Globally Strategic Resource
The Mrima Hill project represents one of the world's most significant deposits of:
- Rare earth elements
- Niobium
- Manganese
- Phosphate
These critical minerals are essential components in clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics, positioning the project as strategically important on a global scale.
RareX is leading a consortium that includes Iluka and other supporting partners like WSP and now Ausenco. This consortium has submitted a development proposal to the Kenyan government through Kenya's Specially Permitted Procurement Method (SPPM).
Comprehensive Project Planning Approach
Ausenco will undertake several key initiatives to support the responsible development of Mrima Hill:
| Work Stream | Description |
|---|---|
| Desktop Engineering | Assessment of infrastructure corridors, processing options, and site layout using available data |
| Regional Context Review | Leveraging Ausenco's prior work in Kwale County to inform early project framing |
| Community Infrastructure | Identification of community-facing infrastructure needs including roads, power, and water |
| Stakeholder Integration | Engineering insights to support social impact planning and community engagement |
| Energy Assessment | Evaluation of grid capacity and alternative energy options, including local geothermal sources |
This comprehensive approach allows RareX to advance project planning efficiently while respecting that physical works will only proceed once appropriate licences are granted by the Kenyan government and proper community engagement has taken place.
Understanding Critical Minerals: Why Rare Earths and Niobium Matter
The Mrima Hill project centres on resources that are increasingly critical to modern technology and the green energy transition.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 elements essential in manufacturing high-performance magnets used in wind turbines, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. Despite their name, rare earths are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but economically viable concentrations are uncommon.
Niobium is a crucial element used to strengthen steel and create superalloys for applications in aerospace, energy infrastructure, and automotive manufacturing. Just a small amount of niobium can significantly improve steel's strength and reduce weight, making it valuable for fuel-efficient vehicles and infrastructure projects.
The combination of these minerals at Mrima Hill positions the project as a potential cornerstone of supply chain security for industries driving the transition to clean energy technologies.
Strategic Implications for Investors
RareX's appointment of Ausenco delivers several strategic advantages that strengthen the investment case:
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Accelerated Development Timeline: Early infrastructure and design work enables faster project advancement once licences are secured
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Risk Mitigation: Using existing data to establish commercial and technical frameworks before ground access reduces development uncertainties
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Strategic Alignment: The project aligns with Kenya's infrastructure development priorities, particularly in Kwale County
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US Strategic Exposure: Ausenco's majority ownership by Resource Capital Funds (RCF), an American critical minerals investor, creates potential pathways to US markets and funding
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ESG Integration: The focus on community infrastructure and sustainable development demonstrates RareX's commitment to responsible mining practices
RareX's Growing Portfolio of Critical Mineral Assets
Beyond Mrima Hill, RareX partners with Ausenco maintains a diversified portfolio of critical mineral projects:
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Khaleesi Project (East Yilgarn): A district-scale, elevated-niobium, alkaline intrusive complex
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Mt Mansbridge Project: Xenotime heavy rare earths project near Browns Range
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Cummins Range Project: Advanced-stage carbonatite hosted rare earths project with a post-tax NPV8 of +$330 million
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Piper Project: Newly 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).
Why Investors Should Watch RareX
RareX offers investors exposure to the rapidly growing critical minerals sector with several compelling advantages:
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Strategic Global Resources: The company's flagship projects contain minerals essential to clean energy transition and advanced manufacturing
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Advanced Project Portfolio: With the Cummins Range Project already at mid-study level showing strong economics, and Mrima Hill advancing through development planning
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Expert Partnerships: Collaborations with world-class firms like Ausenco bring technical expertise and credibility to project development
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Regional Diversification: Projects spanning Australia and Kenya provide geographic diversity while focusing on similar geological settings (carbonatites)
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Strong Management Approach: The methodical, ESG-focused development strategy demonstrates management's commitment to creating sustainable value
As global demand for critical minerals continues to accelerate, RareX is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of supply development, making it a company worth following closely for investors interested in the critical minerals sector.
Ready to Invest in the Critical Minerals Future?
Discover how RareX is strategically positioning itself to capitalise on the global critical minerals supply chain with projects like Mrima Hill. For investors seeking exposure to rare earths, niobium and other essential elements driving the clean energy transition, visit RareX's announcement page to learn more about their partnership with Ausenco and their growing portfolio of strategic mineral assets.
