MINING NEWS
Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) recently held a ceremonial soil-turning event to mark the official start of construction on its new monazite processing plant. The milestone advances the mine’s phased development plan and positions South Africa to become a producer of high-grade monazite concentrate, a critical feedstock for rare earth elements essential to renewable energy, electronics, medical and defense technologies amongst numerous others. Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine turns soil on new processing plant
T he announcement builds on and, for the first time in more than 60 years, produced monazite concentrate from its metallurgical circuit. “The initial product has demonstrated approximately 50% total rare earth oxide (TREO) content, confirming the high-grade nature of the deposit. In parallel, the mine’s hydrometallurgical laboratory circuit is currently undergoing optimisation. Early results have been encouraging, with production of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) and cracked thorium anticipated in the near term,” said Graham Soden, CEO of SMM. recent operational achievements at the site. SMM has successfully commissioned its on-site laboratory The monazite processing plant facility, located close to the existing underground decline shaft exit, will receive monazite-rich ore directly via a purpose-built conveyor belt system. Ore will be transported from underground workings to the surface plant
approximately 13 400 tonnes per annum of monazite concentrate containing more than 50% total rare earth oxides (TREO). During the initial ramp-up period, production will start at around 6 600 tonnes per annum,
for initial concentration using a proven gravity separation and flotation technology. The monazite processing plant
has been designed to achieve an annual steady-state output of
6 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | JUNE 2026
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