- Africa could supply rare earth minerals like bastnäsite and monazite.
- Countries including Botswana, South Africa and DR Congo are exploring projects.
- These minerals are critical for electronics, clean energy, and defence technologies.
AFRICAN nations are poised to step up as new suppliers of rare earth minerals, especially as the global appetite for these materials continues to rise.
Rare earth minerals play a crucial role in a variety of technologies, from smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines and military applications.
The United States has expressed worries about the security of its supply, particularly after reports indicated that its stockpile of rare earth materials might only last for a limited time.
At present, China holds a commanding position in the global market for rare earth production and processing.
According to the United States Geological Survey, China has been responsible for around 70% of the world’s rare earth mine production in recent years.
In response, governments and companies across several African nations are exploring projects that could help diversify the supply chain.
For instance, South Africa is home to the Steenkampskraal rare earth project, which boasts one of the highest-grade deposits in the world.
This project is being developed by Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine, which says that the deposit contains substantial amounts of neodymium and praseodymium, both essential for making permanent magnets.
Meanwhile, Botswana is also delving into its rare earth potential through geological studies spearheaded by the Botswana Ministry of Minerals and Energy.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is known to have several deposits associated with carbonatite formations that may hold rare earth elements.
Developing rare earth mines involves complex processing technology and meticulous environmental management.
The International Energy Agency says that it can take more than a decade for new rare earth projects to progress from discovery to actual production.
Given these lengthy development timelines, it may be years before new African projects can make a significant impact on the global supply.
Researchers believe that Africa’s rich mineral resources could play a vital role in bolstering global supply chains, provided these projects come to fruition.
