South Africa Achieves Rare Earth Refining Breakthrough, Targets First Shipment by Year-End

According to Witaya News, South Africa's Shongweni Mondi Mining (SMM) and the South African Minerals Council (Mintek) announced on June 29 a major laboratory breakthrough in rare earth processing. The entities successfully produced high-purity mixed rare earth products in laboratory conditions, making South Africa the first African nation to master this technology and move beyond raw ore extraction into higher-margin, technically advanced rare earth refinement.

SMM's first commercial rare earth smelting facility has received full funding from South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation and is expected to complete construction by August 2026, with commercial operations beginning thereafter. Initial shipments are planned for release before year-end. The development challenges China's current dominance in global rare earth supply, where China controls approximately 60% of mining and 90% of refining capacity globally.