Tsodilo Resources confirms rare earth and critical minerals discovery Canadian miner, Tsodilo Resources has discovered rare earths and critical minerals in Botswana amid US–China supply race. The discovery is at the company’s Gchwihaba Metals project near Shakawe in north-west Botswana. The find follows systematic exploration of the C26 and C27 targets and confirms a high-grade polymetallic system located between 20 and 50 metres below the surface, a depth that could support commercial extraction if further studies prove viable. Tsodilo said the deposits contain 15 Tsodilo Resources has discovered rare earth and critical minerals in Botswana.
rare earth elements along with five other critical minerals: copper, cobalt, nickel, vanadium and silver. Technical analysis shows the C26 and C27 skarns contain all 15 rare earth elements listed on the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2025 Critical Minerals List. “The targets were originally identified
in the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, battery storage systems, defence electronics and advanced telecommunications infrastructure. Demand has surged as countries accelerate energy transition and industrial modernisation efforts. n
as geophysical anomalies through ground magnetic and gravity surveys. Subsequent diamond core drilling has confirmed that these anomalies host skarn-type mineralisation containing an extensive suite of minerals,” the company said. Rare earth elements are essential
Exxaro concludes acquisition of manganese assets
Rio Tinto approves Zulti South investment of R8.5 billion
JSE-listed Exxaro Resources has acquired select manganese assets from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OMH, making it a globally meaningful manganese player. Following the fulfilment of all suspensive conditions, except for Mokala, R10.6 billion was transferred to the sellers. Following implementation of the First Sale Transaction and OMH Transaction, Exxaro now holds an effective equity interest in the manganese assets as follows: 100% of Ntsimbintle Mining (which owns 50.1% of the Tshipi Borwa Mine, with the remaining 49.9% owned by Jupiter); 19.99% of Jupiter; 100% of Ntsimbintle Marketing; 9% of Hotazel Manganese Mines. Ben Magara, Exxaro CEO said, “Exxaro becomes a globally significant manganese producer with its interest in Tshipi Borwa mine, the world’s 4th largest manganese mine in South Africa’s Kalahari Manganese Field, home to around 80% of the world’s known manganese resources. Tshipi is a world-class, long-life asset, favourably positioned on the industry cost curve. The acquisition also includes the marketing entities and equity interest in Hotazel Manganese Mines.” n
Global mining group, Rio Tinto, recently approved Richards Bay Minerals’ Zulti South project. The roughly R8.5 billion investment aims to extend the mine’s life to 2050 and ensure RBM’s operational continuity for years to
Rio Tinto approves Zulti South investment of R8.5 billion.
come. Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) currently operates within the Zulti North lease area, which includes a mineral separation plant and smelting facility. As the orebody at Zulti North declines, Zulti South is important to RBM for maintaining a stable supply of zircon, rutile, and ilmenite and supporting TiO₂ sales over the life of the mine. China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has been appointed as the EPC contractor for the construction of Zulti South due their proven performance and strong track record including a strategic partnership with Rio Tinto on the Simandou project in Guinea. Werner Duvenhage, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium Africa Operations & RBM said: “This project is not about expansion; it represents our commitment to sustaining jobs and continuing to make a meaningful contribution to the province, the country, and the host communities. The decision to proceed also reflects improved security conditions and strengthened community partnerships.” n
The Tshipi Borwa mine is the world’s 4th largest manganese mine in South Africa’s Kalahari Manganese Field.
April 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 5
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