RARE-EARTHS ELEMENTS
Steenkampskraal sets out rare earths six-phase production plan Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM), one of the world’s highest-grade rare earths and thorium deposits, has set out its six-phase production plan following confirmation of receipt of the first tranche of funding from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
• Proposed partnership with the Remedy Group • On-site or near-site processing to retain value domestically Rare earth separation represents one of the most technically challenging and value-adding steps in rare earth processing, traditionally dominated by Chinese companies. Phase 4: Fluorination Process • Production of Rare Earth Fluorides through patented processes • Proposed partnership with Rare Earth Refiners • Further advancement in the value chain toward end-use products The fluorination process transforms separated rare earth compounds into forms more readily used in specific industrial applications. Phase 5: Metallization • On-site or near-site metallization capabilities • Discussions underway with global reduction companies • Significant value addition through advanced processing Metallization converts rare earth compounds into pure metals, which command premium prices in industrial markets. Phase 6: End-Product Manufacturing • Production of separated end-products • Discussions with global RE product manufacturers • Complete vertical integration from mine to market “This final phase represents the ultimate goal of full value chain integration, enabling South Africa to capture maximum economic benefit from its rare earth resources,” Soden added. “This milestone marks a turning point in Steenkampskraal’s history to establish itself as a reliable global supplier of rare earth elements, essential for the technologies driving the green transition and advanced industries,” he said. “Once operational, the plant will continually deliver a high-grade monazite concentrate containing more than 50% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO), positioning South Africa among the elite producers of critical minerals.” Thorium and radium-228 by-products “Beyond rare earths, the Steenkampskraal
“T he development roadmap extends far beyond conventional mining industry evolution, positioning the project as an integrated rare earths value chain,” said Steenkampskraal Chairperson and shareholder, Dr. Enock Mathebula. The Six-Phase Development Strategy Phase 1: Monazite Concentrate Production • Construction of concentration plant (current IDC funding focus) • Production of high-grade monazite concentrate containing >50% TREO • Establishment of initial production capabilities and infrastructure “This first phase represents the foundation upon which the entire value chain will be built, with the concentrate serving as feedstock for all subsequent processing steps,” added Graham Soden, CEO of SMM. Phase 2: Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate • Production of Cerium- and Lanthanum-depleted Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (CLDMREC) • Implementation of proven technology from Chimerical Technology • First step in downstream value addition process “By removing cerium and lanthanum (the most abundant but least valuable rare earths), this phase significantly increases the value of the remaining product,” he noted. Phase 3: REE Separation • Implementation of magneto-electrochemical separation processes
16 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | DECEMBER 2025 - JANUARY 2026
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