SC740 - CPTU Services - Nolans Project

Overview Arafura Rare Earths Pty Ltd is seeking a contractor to provide Cone Penetration Testing with pore pressure measurement (CPTu) services for the Nolans Project in the Northern Territory. About Arafura Rare Earths Limited is an Australian, ASX-listed company (ASX:ARU) focused on the responsible future production of the rare earths elements Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr) and heavy rare earths from its Nolans Project in the Northern Territory. The Nolans Project, 135 kilometres north of Alice Springs, is a fully permitted, construction-ready, single site ore-to-oxide project with an anticipated mine life of 38 years. As a fully integrated operation, Nolans will encompass a mine, process plant (comprising beneficiation, extraction and separation plants) and related infrastructure. The Project is strategically located in the Northern Territory and is recognised as a globally significant and strategic NdPr project which, once developed, will become a major supplier of these critical minerals to the high-performance NdFeB permanent magnet market. On 21 May 2026, Arafura advised that its Board of Directors has achieved Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Nolans Rare Earths Project (Nolans Project or the Project). This marks a significant milestone in the transition of the project into execution. Hatch has been appointed as EPCM contractor for the Nolans Project. Arafura is transitioning execution management of the Project to Hatch, and as the execution plan and procurement packaging are finalised, Hatch will be the primary contact for procurement and contracting engagement. Purpose A geotechnical investigation is required to assess foundation conditions to support the detailed design and construction of the proposed Residue Storage Facility (RSF) and supporting infrastructure. The objective of the investigation is to obtain reliable geotechnical field data from in-situ and laboratory tests to support the design of the proposed RSF1A facility and supporting infrastructure, including evaporating ponds, roadways and borrow sources. The results of the investigation are to be compiled into a factual report to facilitate the geotechnical interpretation and design. Scope The scope includes: Cone penetration testing with pore pressure measurements (CPTu) Fifteen (15) CPTs with porewater pressure measurements to a target depth of 20 m below ground level or shallower refusal Nominal allowance of 30 hours of dissipation testing Seismic CPTs (SCPTs) at five locations to a target depth of 20 m or refusal, including shear wave velocity testing at 1 m intervals Groundwater level measurements in open CPT holes following completion of testing Grout backfilling of CPT locations on completion Provision of factual reporting and testing deliverables Mobilisation and demobilisation of personnel and equipment Execution of the CPTu and SCPT investigations and groundwater observations Grouting of completed CPT holes and site restoration Supply of required testing data and deliverables Provision of deliverables within five working days of completion of testing, including digital PDF test certificates, CPTu and SCPT data in native electronic format (AGS or CSV), survey data in electronic format, and calibration certificates for CPT equipment Contractor Requirements Interested parties should demonstrate capability and experience in: Conducting CPTu investigations using a minimum 20 t truck- or track-mounted rig Performing pore pressure dissipation testing Performing Seismic CPT (SCPT) investigations and shear wave velocity testing Supplying all plant, equipment, specialised tooling, materials, consumables and personnel necessary to execute the works Operating under QA/QC and safety management systems and providing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan and Safety Management Plan Working in remote greenfield environments accessed via existing site tracks and roads