Monte Muambe RFP launches with US backing

Altona Rare Earths has moved a step closer to advancing its Monte Muambe rare earths project in Mozambique following the release of a request for proposals (RFP) linked to a USTDA-funded work programme.

The initiative, supported by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), calls on qualified U.S.-based firms to submit bids for specialised metallurgy and process engineering work. This forms part of a broader pre-feasibility study focused on establishing a mining and processing operation in the Moatize District.

Issuing the RFP signal the formal rollout of the USTDA-backed program and represents meaningful progress in advancing the project toward development.

Technical work to strengthen the project

The upcoming work programme is designed to address both technical uncertainties and commercial considerations, while also fostering collaboration with stakeholders in the US rare earths and gallium sectors.

Planned activities include:

• Focused drilling to secure representative sample for metallurgical analysis
• Detailed test work and engineering assessments across crushing, beneficiation, and hydrometallurgical processing stages, including the extraction of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide
• Environmental and market-related studies
• Refinement of financial projections and overall project valuation

Enhancing Value and Strategic Investment

With the RFP now in circulation, execution of the programme is expected to begin, with generating steady project milestone and updates. The outcomes will help sharpen both the technical framework and economic outlook of the project, potentially, strengthening its overall valuation.

At the same time, the company continues to explore strategic partnerships aligned with US supply chains for rare earths and gallium, positioning the project within a broader global official critical minerals landscape.

Chief Executive Officer Cedric Simonet highlighted the importance of this phase, noting that it marks a pivotal point in the project’s trajectory.

” The launch of this RFP marks a defining step in the advancement of the Monte Muambe rare earths project. We are pleased to be moving forward at such a fast pace, working in close cooperation with USTDA.

Backed by the US government, this work will support the continued technical and commercial development of the project and also deepen engagement with potential strategic and commercial US partners. We look forward to progressing this workstream and providing further updates as it advances.”