Steenkampskraal monazite mine and Mintek, South Africas national mineral research organisation, have produced what they describe as high-purity mixed rare earth material at Minteks laboratory facilities, marking a step towards planned commercial production from the Western Cape later this year.
Steenkampskraal said the laboratory work is the basis of planned commercial production of rare earth products in South Africa before the end of 2026. Longer-term plans include rare earth separation, thorium beneficiation and medical isotope production.
The milestone positions South Africa as the first African country to produce rare earth products through a partnership between a mining company and a national research institution, said Steenkampskraal Executive Chairman Enock Mathebula .
