Mine backed by US, Australia and Gina Rinehart moves towards construction

Key points

• A $1.8 billion rare earths mine in Central Australia has begun construction. The Nolans project, backed by the US and Australian governments and Gina Rinehart, aims to challenge China's dominance in the global market.
• It will produce neodymium and praseodymium for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence capabilities, with a lifespan of over 50 years.
• The mine is expected to create hundreds of jobs and generate billions of dollars for the Northern Territory.