Framework Agreement for Ngualla Rare Earth Project Signed

On 17th April 2023, Peak Rare Earths (ASX: PEK) signed a binding Framework Agreement with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania with respect to the Ngualla Rare Earth Project.

The Framework Agreement sets out the basis of the Government of Tanzania’s agreement for the licencing, development, economic benefit sharing and the formation of a joint venture between Peak and the Government of Tanzania with respect to the development and operation of the Ngualla Project.

The signing of the Framework Agreement follows the recent joint establishment of two companies by Peak and the Government of Tanzania: Mamba Minerals Corporation (MML) – which will own and operate the Ngualla Project; and Mamba Refinery Corporation (MRL) – which will own and operate any future Tanzanian refining and downstream operations.

Both entities are owned 84% by Peak (via a 100% owned UK subsidiary, Ngualla Group UK) and 16% by the Government of Tanzania (via the Treasury Registrar).

Peak and the Government of Tanzania have also agreed on a series of other documents contemplated by the Framework Agreement relating to the formation and management of MML and MRL, including Memorandum and Articles of Association and a Shareholders Agreement.

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Government of Tanzania approved a Special Mining Licence (SML) application for the Ngualla Project in July 2021.

Under the Framework Agreement, the Ngualla Project SML will include the amalgamation of the original SML application area, a Prospecting Licence (PL 10897/2016) and a recently expired Prospecting Licence (PL 9157/2013). It is expected that the SML will be formally granted to MML shortly.

Hon. Dr Dotto Biteko (MP), Minister for Minerals of Tanzania, commented: “The signing of the Ngualla Rare Earth Framework Agreement marks a major milestone for the Government of Tanzania and Peak Rare Earths. The project will position Tanzania as a major player in the international rare earth elements sector and enable us to play an important role in supporting global decarbonisation initiatives. It will also support the delivery of employment, investment in social and regional infrastructure as well as a substantial source of revenue for the government in the form of dividends, royalties and taxes.”

For his part, Russell Scrimshaw, Executive Chair of Peak, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Government of Tanzania in the development of the world-class Ngualla Rare Earth Project. Development of the Ngualla Project will deliver direct foreign investment of more than USD 320 million into the Tanzanian economy, generate hundreds of direct and thousands of indirect jobs for Tanzanians and position Tanzania as one of the major rare earth producers outside of China. It represents an opportunity to deliver multi-generational opportunities to the people of Tanzania.”

And Bardin Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Peak, further commented: “The Framework Agreement lays the foundations for robust returns for Peak shareholders, long-term and sustainable benefits for the community and a substantial source of future revenue for the Government of Tanzania. It further elevates Ngualla’s position as the premier undeveloped rare earth project in the world with high-grade Ore Reserves, low levels of radionuclides, a fully piloted flowsheet, and a completed Updated Bankable Feasibility Study.

Ngualla Rare Earth Project

Located approximately 147km from the city of Mbeya in southern Tanzania and on the edge of the East African Rift Valley, the Ngualla Project is one of the largest, highest grade and lowest cost Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr) rare earth projects in the world.

The Ngualla Project entails the development of a mine, mill, beneficiation facilities, concentrator, community projects and associated infrastructure.

It will create around 600 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs during construction as well as around 220 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs during operations.