South Africa set to become major monazite producer

The construction of a processing plant at Steenkampskraal is a significant milestone.

Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) in South Africa, held a ceremonial soil-turning event earlier this week.

The event was to mark the official start of construction on its new monazite processing plant.

This positions South Africa to become a producer of high-grade monazite concentrate.

Major milestones at SMM

Monazite is a critical feedstock for rare earth elements essential to renewable energy, electronics, medical and defense technologies amongst others.

Earlier this year SMM has also successfully commissioned an on-site laboratory.

The mine has also, for the first time in more than 60 years, produced monazite concentrate from its metallurgical circuit.

High grade nature of the deposit

“The initial product has demonstrated approximately 50% total rare earth oxide (TREO) content, confirming the high-grade nature of the deposit.

“In parallel, the mine’s hydrometallurgical laboratory circuit is currently undergoing optimisation.

“Early results have been encouraging, with production of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) and cracked thorium anticipated in the near term,” said Graham Soden, CEO of SMM.

Processing plant to achieve steady state

The monazite processing plant facility, located close to the existing underground decline shaft exit, will receive monazite-rich ore directly via a purpose-built conveyor belt system.

Ore will be transported from underground workings to the surface plant for initial concentration using a proven gravity separation and flotation technology.

The monazite processing plant has been designed to achieve an annual steady-state output of approximately 13,400 tonnes per annum of monazite concentrate containing more than 50% total rare earth oxides (TREO).

During the initial ramp-up period, production will start at around 6,600 tonnes per annum, increasing to full capacity toward the end of the first year, Soden said.

Process flow used by Anglo

“This phase will use proven gravity separation and flotation technology, optimised through modern refinements and pilot testing by the Saskatchewan Research Council and Mintek.

The process flow draws on the successful methods used during Anglo American’s historic operations at Steenkampskraal between 1952 and 1963. It has been adapted for modern environmental standards and incorporates a multi-gravity separation circuit, currently under evaluation for enhanced recovery efficiency.

The Steenkampskraal deposit is recognised as one of the highest-grade rare earth and thorium resources globally.

The spade-ready project benefits from fully developed underground and surface infrastructure.

WhyAfrica visited SMM in 2025

WhyAfrica visited Steenkampskraal last year as part of the 2025 WhyAfrica Road Trip through Africa

Image credits: SMM and Leon Louw for WhyAfrica

South Africa set to become major monazite producer