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.

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The programme is being developed by Mintek, South Africa’s minerals beneficiation and technology research agency, and seeks to reposition coal beyond its traditional role in electricity generation.

“Coal contains a number of by-products that can be used in the economy,” he pointed out. “We’re reimagining coal, so that it can be used for other uses than electricity generation.”

Scientific research has shown that coal discards and coal fly ash contain valuable minerals such as rare earth minerals, alumina, gallium, silica, and vanadium. These materials are increasingly critical for modern applications including advanced manufacturing, batteries, electronics, and construction, with global demand accelerating rapidly.

South Africa’s coal sector produces more than 25-million tons of fly ash each year, yet less than 10% of this volume is currently beneficiated.

“Our coal endowment, therefore, presents South Africa with a unique opportunity to meet this demand using secondary resources that are already mined, processed, and stockpiled within our borders,” he highlighted. “Our response is clear: we must reposition coal as a critical mineral and a source of advanced materials, capable of supporting new industrial value chains.”

Mintek has spent decades characterising South Africa’s coal, discards, and fly ash, analysing their chemistry, mineralogy, environmental risk profiles, and behaviour during processing.

The Coal Reimagined Programme builds on this expertise, recognising that critical minerals in coal by-products are often embedded within complex alumina-, iron- and silica-rich matrices that require advanced characterisation, integrated extraction, and specialised processing technologies.

“Through this programme, we intend to transform a historical liability into an engine of economic opportunity, provided that appropriate investment is mobilised to enable progression from research and piloting to industrial deployment,” he affirmed.

“The programme is designed to position South Africa as a global leader in coal beneficiation, waste valorisation, and circular-economy innovation – converting legacy coal waste streams into drivers of economic growth, job creation, and environmental rehabilitation.”

Mantashe also highlighted the role of carbon capture, utilisation, storage, and use (CCUS) as a key technology for the future of the coal industry, noting that South Africa continues to invest in this area. He cited the CCUS project at Leandra in Mpumalanga as an example of how clean coal technologies could extend the life of the sector.

“Coal mining companies have a vested interest in CCUS,” he observed, adding that they should invest in it.

The coal sector currently employs about 90 000 people and remains a major source of export earnings for South Africa. Mantashe reiterated that coal remains a critical mineral for the country’s economy and energy transition.

“Coal is dynamic, coal is not static,” he asserted. “We never talk about moving from coal to renewables, but from high-carbon power to low-carbon power, which requires a variety of interventions.”

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