According to Mining Weekly, rare earth developer Pensana has reported that the site for its Longonjo rare earth smelter processing plant in Angola has been expanded, paving the way for accelerated construction of the facility.
The company noted that local shareholders have expressed strong optimism about the project's progress, recognizing the long-term economic and social benefits it will bring to the region.
Pensana stated that the project development has already created numerous job opportunities and strengthened partnerships with local suppliers and communities.
"Expanding the processing plant site is a significant step for us. It reflects the contributions of our team and the strong support from our local partners. The momentum is positive, and the excitement among stakeholders is palpable," said Geraldine Tchimbali, the company's manager in Angola.
"This project has attracted widespread attention from regional and national stakeholders and is a key component of Angola's ongoing global investment in driving development and growth in the region."
The Longonjo rare earth deposit is located near the Lobito railway corridor, 60 kilometers west of the provincial capital of Huambo in central Angola.
Currently, the project under construction includes an open-pit mine, a beneficiation plant, and a recovery plant, as well as tailings storage facilities designed to meet the requirements of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, water supply for beneficiation, bulk power supply, mine infrastructure, workshops, offices, dormitories, recreational facilities, and other related infrastructure.
Pensana pointed out that the Longonjo mine integrates mining, beneficiation, smelting, and chemical purification, capable of producing high-value mixed rare earth carbonate products, which will be exported via railway for a 273-kilometer journey to the Atlantic port of Lobito.
The mine is expected to initially produce 20,000 mt of mixed rare earth carbonate per year, with the potential to expand to 40,000 mt/year in later stages.
