The underground treasure at Steenkampskraal

The mine hosts chambers where cooper-rich fluids have created surreal shapes and colours.

By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions

Last year during the 2025 WhyAfrica Overland Road Trip through Africa, we entered a wonderworld of blue and green stalactites and stalagmites.

This was deep beneath the surface at the historic Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

The mine hosts chambers where cooper-rich fluids have created surreal shapes and colours.

Started by Angol American

Anglo American started mining Steenkampskraal in 1952 but the mine shut down in 1963.

Today, it is recognised as one of the highest-grade rare earth deposits on Earth, rich in monazite, the mineral that feeds the technologies shaping the modern world.

Earlier this month construction of the long-awaited processing plant officially started.

Through processing monazite into high-grade rare earth concentrates locally, South Africa positions itself further up the value chain, in a market long dominated by external processors.

Sky high ore grades

Early results have already confirmed ore grades of about 50% total rare earth oxides, underscoring the deposit’s global significance.

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WhyAfrica’s trips organised by Endorphin Expeditions

WhyAfrica’s Road trips and Business Trip are organised and operated by WhyAfrica’s sister company tour operator Endorphin Expeditions.

Endorphin Expeditions is a specialist tour operator focused on guided, niche, small-group road trips and expeditions across southern Africa.

The underground treasure at Steenkampskraal