Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) and Mintek, South Africa’s national mineral research organisation, have announced the successful production of high-purity mixed rare earth products at Mintek’s laboratory facilities.

This forms the foundation of the start of commercial production of rare earth products in South Africa before the end of this year, with longer-term expansion to include rare earth elements (REE) and thorium beneficiation, as well as medical isotope production.

“Our partnership, supported by key South African organisations such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Mintek, is key to ensuring the safe, compliant and commercially successful execution of this strategic project," says SMM executive chairperson and shareholder Dr Enock Mathebula.

"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.

“This milestone is a powerful demonstration of what South Africa can achieve when our research institutions and industry partners unite around a shared vision of value addition and local beneficiation,” says Mintek CEO Dr Molefi Motuku.

“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.”

The milestone, achieved through a long-standing collaboration between the two organisations, positions South Africa as the first African country to successfully produce rare earth products through a partnership between a mining company and a national research institution.

“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,” says Mathebula.

“The partnership between Steenkampskraal and Mintek is a game changer in the area of rare earth minerals as this development serves as the foundation for longer-term beneficiation plans,” adds South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe.

“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.”

The Steenkampskraal mine was formally brought out of care and maintenance in 2024, with approvals secured from both the National Nuclear Regulator and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

Full funding for the Phase 1 metallurgical processing plant has been secured through the IDC and construction of the plant is currently under way, with commissioning scheduled for August.

“While we celebrate this achievement, we are not stopping here,” Mathebula adds.

“We are currently advancing discussions and development work aimed at establishing separation capabilities in South Africa. Together with Mintek, we are continuing to explore and develop local solutions that will support the future establishment of a world-class separation system.

“Our vision is not simply to mine resources but to beneficiate them, process them, and create greater value within South Africa and become a rare earths processing hub in Africa for the benefit of society from local communities through to Africa as a whole.”

Mathebula says construction of the processing plant is progressing well, with concentrate production expected to commence later this year and first shipments anticipated before the end of this year.

He notes that the mine continues to engage with several strategic investors currently conducting due diligence regarding potential participation in the project.

Located in the Western Cape, Steenkampskraal is the world’s highest-grade REE and thorium deposit.

Originally opened in 1952 by Anglo American, the mine was historically operated for thorium extraction in support of international nuclear energy programmes before being placed on care and maintenance.