London-listed Pensana has reported that, following conclusion of the early works programmes, funded by the Angolan Sovereign Wealth Fund (FSDEA) during 2025, the main construction activities for the Longonjo rare earths mine and processing facility, in Angola, are now well under way, on budget and with first production on target for 2027.

"We are delighted with the rapid progress on site as we construct and look to bring one of the world's largest rare-earth deposits into production next year. A significant amount of design work has now been completed followed by the efficient deployment of capital in establishing the site infrastructure.

“The decision to construct the process plant on a modular basis is important as it provides us with improved cost and delivery control. The team continues to strive towards completion of the significant workstreams currently underway. While there is still much to do, there is a growing sense of achievement as the project rapidly emerges,” says CEO Tim George.

Pensana notes that Grupo Nov, the Angolan civil and earthworks company already involved in the Longonjo early works programme, has completed site preparation and has begun construction of the SRK-designed tailings storage facility according to the Global Industry Standards on Tailings Management.

The company adds that the concrete batching plant has been established to provide for the civils and piling works required for the senior load-bearing foundations of major equipment items on the compacted process plant terrace area.

Additionally, Pensana notes that fabrication of the 2 MW regrind circuit ball mill has been completed and is awaiting delivery to site once foundations are complete during the next quarter.

Moreover, the company notes that construction of the 250 t/d modular sulphuric acid plant has begun after the completion of the hazard and operability study review in late 2025.

The company adds that procurement of all long-lead items has been enabled to meet the targeted construction and budget schedules post conclusion of the detailed design processes by Lycopodium and Pro Process.

Following procurement completion of the balance of the major capital items including flotation columns, calciner, thickeners and nano-filtration units, Pensana says all detailed design and fabrication schedules remain on track for delivery from the respective vendors.

Further, additional plant storage and laydown areas have been completed ahead of deliveries and installation due from mid-2026 onwards.

Pensana notes that regional government recognition and awards have been received for the company's positive economic and social impact, including community outreach programmes guided by IFC and Equator Principles risk management compliance.

Additionally, permanent power, potable water, wastewater treatment, telecommunications and site security infrastructure were installed and commissioned in 2025.

The company says this infrastructure is now able to fully support the growing construction workforce as the project executes the large-scale construction workstreams through this year under the leadership of country manager Geraldine Tchimbali.

Pensana says safety remains a core strength of the on-site team, underpinned by a sustainability-led owner-operator approach and close collaboration with quality engineering and delivery partners to reduce risk.

The company says the project continues to follow a modular construction philosophy within the detailed design process to maintain construction schedule certainty and reducing risk associated with on-site implementation.

As the on-site workforce increases towards the peak of 750 on-site personnel, the company says it is actively encouraging integration with the surrounding community through the use of local accommodation, services and established transport links to nearby towns.