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).

“The development roadmap extends far beyond conventional mining industry evolution, positioning the project as an integrated rare earths value chain,” SMM chairperson and shareholder Dr Enock Mathebula says.

Phase 1 of monazite concentrate production will entail the construction of a concentration plant (the current IDC funding focus) and the production of high-grade monazite concentrate containing more than 50% total rare earth oxides (TREO).

“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,” SMM CEO Graham Soden explains.

Phase 2 will entail production of cerium- and lanthanum-depleted mixed rare earth carbonate; and the implementation of proven technology from Chimerical Technology.

It is the first step in the 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,” Soden avers.

Phase 3 of rare earth elements separation will entail the implementation of magneto-electrochemical separation processes; with a proposed partnership with the Remedy Group; and on-site or near-site processing to retain value domestically.

SMM posits that rare earths separation represents one of the most technically challenging and value-adding steps in rare earths processing, traditionally dominated by Chinese companies.

Phase 4 of fluorination process will entail the production of rare earth fluorides through a patented process; with a proposed partnership with Rare Earth Refiners. This is 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, SMM points out.

Phase 5 of metallisation will entail on-site or near-site metallisation capabilities; with discussions under way with global reduction companies.

This would provide significant value addition through advanced processing, SMM avers.

Metallisation converts rare earth compounds into pure metals, which command premium prices in industrial markets, the company points out.

Phase 6 of end-product manufacturing will entail the production of separated end-products; with discussions with global rare earth product manufacturers.

The sixth phase will complete SMM’s 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.

“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,” Soden acclaims.

“Once operational, the plant will continually deliver a high-grade monazite concentrate containing more than 50% TREO, positioning South Africa among the elite producers of critical minerals,” he adds.

BY-PRODUCTS

“Beyond rare earths, the Steenkampskraal deposit offers valuable by-products that further enhance its economic potential. A notable development in this area is the partnership with Thor Medical, which is working with SMM and select local funders to conclude agreements that will enable the business to progress with harvesting Radium-228 for medical applications,” Mathebula mentions.

“The IDC’s investment is not only a financial boost but also a catalyst for broader economic benefits. Through this support, SMM is strengthening South Africa’s industrial base, and creating employment opportunities in both direct mining operations and downstream beneficiation.

“The Steenkampskraal project is structured as a series of interlinked phases, each designed to capture additional value by moving further downstream in the rare earth supply chain,” he adds.

Mathebula cited South Africa’s official Minerals Beneficiation Strategy, adopted in June 2011, which aims to transform the country’s mineral wealth into a competitive economic advantage through downstream value addition.

“This strategy is integrated into broader industrialisation initiatives aimed at improving export quality, creating sustainable employment, diversifying the economy, and building a knowledge-driven industrial base.”