RareX engages engineers for Mrima Hill critical minerals project in Kenya

Internationally renowned engineering firm Ausenco has been engaged by RareX to conduct initial infrastructure and development studies at the Mrima Hill project.

Mrima Hill is a strategic rare earth and niobium project in Kenya. Pic: Getty Images

Special Report: RareX has locked in global engineering firm Ausenco to oversee the early-stage infrastructure and desktop development studies for the Mrima Hill critical minerals project in Kenya. 

• RareX appoints Ausenco to lead feasibility studies, process design, construction readiness and engineering at Mrima Hill 
• Ausenco will undertake early-stage work to support responsible and well-informed development
• Physical works will only proceed once the appropriate licences are granted by the government of Kenya and local communities

Ausenco is a recognised leader in consulting, engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) and is majority owned by Resource Capital Funds, a US-based investment group headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Ausenco brings deep experience delivering complex, high-impact projects across Africa and globally, including Kenya where they were the lead engineering, procurement and construction management company for the Kwale mineral sands mine. 

RareX (ASX:REE) will ensure Ausenco are supported by local, Kenyan-based engineering and construction firms as it carries out a range of different development tasks such as desktop engineering studies, identification of community-facing infrastructure needs and assessments of energy requirements. 

Background on Mrima Hill 

Mrima Hill, a globally significant rare earths and niobium project with additional potential for manganese and phosphate, is the subject of a proposal submitted by the RareX–Iluka consortium, along with supporting partners, including WSP, Curtin University and Ausenco. 

RareX has brought together a consortium of expert institutions and financiers from Australia and the US to support Mrima Hill, with a full project proposal presented to the Kenyan government. 

The consortium and proposal partners were recently convened by the Kenyan high Commissioner, HE Dr Kogo in Perth.

Proactive engagement to fast-track development 

REE managing director James Durrant said 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,” he said. 

“Their early engagement allows us to move quickly and responsibly, building out a robust understanding of what Mrima Hill can look like before we access the ground.

“Physical works will only proceed once the appropriate licences are granted by the Government of Kenya and local communities have been engaged and brought along on the journey – ensuring both legal and social licence to operate are fully respected,” Durrant added. 

“With the support of Ausenco and our broader team, RareX is demonstrating its ability to develop this project in the best possible way – structured, experienced, and respectful of the setting we’re working in.”

What else is happening? 

REE believes the appointment strengthens its preparedness as the lead developer of Mrima Hill. 

Key implications include early derisking of project infrastructure and layout, use of existing data to build commercial and technical frameworks and strong alignment with Kenya’s infrastructure development priorities. 

REE’s Mrima Hill proposal, submitted via Kenya’s Specially Permitted Procurement Method (SPPM), outlines a phased, sovereign-partnered development. 

This work with Ausenco ensures the company remains on the front foot as ESG, social, and technical workstreams continue to progress in parallel.

This article was developed in collaboration with RareX, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Originally published as RareX engages engineers for Mrima Hill critical minerals project in Kenya