South Africa Achieves Rare Earth Refining Breakthrough, Targets Year-End Shipments

According to Central News Agency, South Africa successfully produced high-purity mixed rare earth products on June 29, becoming the first African nation to achieve this technological milestone. Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) and South Africa's National Mineral Research Institute Mintek announced the breakthrough in a joint statement.

SMM's first-phase refining plant has secured full funding from South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation and is on track for completion in August, with commercial production to follow and initial product shipments targeted for year-end. The development marks a shift from raw ore extraction toward higher-value rare earth processing, positioning South Africa as a strategic supplier in the global advanced technology supply chain. China currently dominates global rare earth supply, controlling approximately 60% of mining, 90% of refining, and 94% of permanent magnet production, according to the International Energy Agency.