Australia’s RareX Limited has partnered with Iluka Resources to jointly develop the Mrima Hill Project in Kenya, a rare earth and critical minerals prospect located in Kwale County, less than 100 kilometers from Mombasa.
The two companies have formed a consortium and formally submitted a proposal to Kenya’s National Mining Corporation (NAMICO), seeking approval to explore and develop the mineral-rich site.
If approved, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be created, with RareX holding a 75% stake and leading de-risking activities, while Iluka will take a 25% share with long-term offtake rights.
Mrima Hill is known for its vast deposits of rare earths, niobium, phosphate, and manganese — minerals critical to the development of electric vehicles, clean energy, and industrial manufacturing.
RareX Managing Director James Durrant called the project a “globally significant opportunity” and highlighted the potential of Mrima Hill to contribute to a secure, diversified supply of critical minerals outside of traditional markets.
As part of the proposal, RareX will spearhead technical assessments, environmental safeguards, and community engagement initiatives, drawing from its experience at the Cummins Range project in Australia.
Plans are also underway to establish local laboratories and pilot plants to boost value addition and technology transfer in Kenya.
Meanwhile, Iluka may process the rare earths at its AU$1.65 billion Eneabba refinery in Western Australia, currently under construction with Australian government backing.
The offtake agreement includes first-refusal rights for Iluka, while non-rare earth outputs such as phosphate and niobium are earmarked for domestic Kenyan development.
Curtin University is supporting the consortium through a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate local training and capacity building.
The proposal is under review by NAMICO, with further approvals pending from the Cabinet Secretary for Mining. If granted, the project could mark a landmark collaboration between Kenya and Australia in strategic mineral development.
