South Africa pioneers African rare earth processing with first mixed rare earth production breakthrough
Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine and Mintek achieve a milestone in local beneficiation, positioning South Africa in global critical mineral value chains
South Africa has become the first country in Africa to successfully produce high-purity mixed rare earth products through a partnership between a mining company and a research institution, marking a significant milestone for the country’s critical minerals sector.
Western Cape-based Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM), in collaboration with Mintek, South Africa’s national mineral research organisation, has produced high-purity mixed rare-earth products at Mintek’s laboratory facilities. The materials are considered critical feedstock for global industries driving the energy transition, digital transformation and advanced medical technologies.
The achievement positions South Africa at the forefront of rare-earth beneficiation on the continent and strengthens its role in global critical-mineral supply chains.
Dr Enock Mathebula, Executive Chairman and shareholder of Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine, welcomed the outcome of the strategic project, which received support from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
“This is not only a victory for Steenkampskraal and Mintek, but a victory for South Africa. It demonstrates the country’s ability to develop world-class technologies, create local beneficiation opportunities and participate meaningfully in global critical mineral supply chains,” he said.
Dr Mathebula added that the milestone highlights the value of collaboration between research institutions and industry.
“This achievement represents a significant technological breakthrough and demonstrates what can be accomplished when South African institutions and industry work together toward a common vision,” he said.
Mintek CEO Dr Molefi Motuku echoed these sentiments, emphasising the country’s scientific and technological capabilities.
“Mintek’s expertise, combined with Steenkampskraal’s world-class resource, has proven that South Africa possesses not only the minerals but also the scientific capability to compete globally in critical minerals processing. We are proud to partner with Steenkampskraal in building a competitive, value-adding minerals economy for our country,” said Dr Motuku.
Following the breakthrough, the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has also indicated its intention to support the initiative.
Necsa CEO Loyiso Tyabashe said the organisation is ready to contribute its expertise to expand opportunities in the rare earth and thorium value chains.
“Necsa is ready to collaborate on the back of its expertise to capture and develop the opportunity presented in the high-end value chain of rare earth and thorium products as part of our mandate in nuclear technology development for general industry and medical applications. This will further unlock the value chain potential as South Africa advances its beneficiation capabilities,” he said.
The Steenkampskraal mine was officially brought out of care and maintenance in 2024 after receiving approvals from the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR).
Funding for the Phase 1 metallurgical processing plant has been secured through the IDC, with construction currently underway. Commissioning of the facility is scheduled for August 2026, marking another step in South Africa’s drive to expand local beneficiation and strengthen its position in the global critical minerals market.
