The Steenkampskraal monazite mine (SMM), in the Western Cape, is now fully funded to advance its reclamation, refurbishment and laboratory operations, with funding negotiations far advanced to begin construction, hot commissioning and operation of the mine’s primary metallurgical processing plant to produce monazite concentrate.

The company explains that this will include the construction, hot commissioning and operation of the primary hydrometallurgical processing plant to produce cerium and lanthanum-depleted mixed rare earth carbonate (CLDMREC), along with thorium and radium-228.

“This significant milestone marks a pivotal step in the mine's operations and underscores its commitment to meeting the growing global demand for rare earth elements,” comments SMM executive chairperson Enock Mathebula.

"We are now poised to reclaim existing feed from our feed-to-plant stockpiles, both on the surface and underground.

“This initiative will enhance our production capabilities and allow [for] the commencement of the refurbishment of our surface infrastructure, the decline shaft complex, the initial underground development ends and stopes, and the design and development of the processing plants. This will position SMM as a key player in the industry,” he adds.

SMM CEO Graham Soden highlights the recent surge in demand for various rare earths, which has enabled the company to potentially double its production capacity.

"This increase in demand has facilitated the ratification of offtake agreements for a quarter portion of our monazite concentrate for the life of the mine. The remainder of the concentrate will be fed into the hydrometallurgical process, leading to the first production of CLDMREC, thorium and radium-228," he says.

Soden notes that, at steady-state production, the CLDMREC will be delivered to offtakers in France, Norway, Canada and potentially also to an American consortium.

While the increased production levels may decrease the currently reported mineral reserve, an extensive expansion drilling programme is planned to commence in the first quarter of 2027, he says.

This is aimed at extending the resource at depth and along strike, as well as incorporating a known adjacent resource into the production plan. Early indications suggest that the life of the mine can be extended by at least another 30 years.

With the global rare earth elements (REE) market projected to triple to $46.2-billion by 2035, Soden says SMM’s strategic focus on the extraction of rare earths is complemented by its thorium production, which, although smaller in production than REEs, is equally important.

With thorium production addressing growing energy needs, it positions the mine as a key player in the green economy, leveraging its thorium-containing, high-grade monazite deposits to supply a clean, safe nuclear fuel.

“Radium-228, a daughter isotope in the thorium-232 decay chain, emits alpha particles with a short range of just a few micrometres in biological tissues, making it ideal for targeted alpha therapy.

“This therapy delivers highly localised radiation directly to cancer cells, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues, a significant improvement over traditional radiation methods,” Soden explains.

Mathebula adds that the advantages of radium-228 are clear.

He says its alpha radiation capability is highly potent against resistant tumours, effectively targeting microscopic cancerous cells that often evade other treatments.

He posits that, with a half-life of 5.75 years, radium-228 is well-suited for clinical applications, allowing for practical use in medical settings.

“SMM’s ability to produce this isotope stems from its high-grade monazite deposits, which contain significant thorium resources, enabling the extraction of radium-228 as part of its phased operations.

“The strategic initiatives undertaken by SMM not only aim to meet market demands but also contribute to the sustainable development of the rare earth and renewable-energy sectors in South Africa. The company remains committed to responsible mining practices and fostering positive relationships with local communities,” Mathebula concludes.