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Rare earths
Neodymium and praseodymium make the permanent magnets in EV motors, wind turbines and defence systems; dysprosium and terbium keep them working at high temperature. Africa holds some of the most advanced rare-earth projects outside China — most still reaching production, so supply is contracted as future offtake.
#03Rare earths
The light rare earths neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), traded together as 'NdPr', are the key ingredients of NdFeB permanent magnets used in EV motors, wind turbines, robotics, drones and defence systems. China controls about 60–70% of mining and around 90% of separation and magnet making, and has used export controls since 2023–25. Africa has a strong pipeline of carbonatite and monazite deposits, mostly in construction or development in 2026. Early African output will be concentrate or mixed carbonate, not separated oxide.
Rare earths
The heavy rare earths dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) are added to NdFeB magnets so they keep working at high temperatures, as in EV motors and military systems. They are far scarcer than NdPr. China, plus Myanmar ionic clays processed in China, supplies almost all of them, and China restricted Dy/Tb and other medium/heavy REEs from April 2025. Africa's best heavy-REE prospects are Lofdal (Namibia, xenotime) and Makuutu (Uganda, ionic clay).
01Project pipeline
Stages and dates as reported by operators and secondary sources in September 2026.
Operator: Pensana
Rare Earths — Light (NdPr)Mixed rare earth carbonate, ~20 ktpa planned; construction since 2025 (reported).
Operator: Lindian Resources
Rare Earths — Light (NdPr)Monazite concentrate; mining started, ore stockpiled (reported).
Operator: Mkango Resources
Rare Earths — Light (NdPr)Carbonatite NdPr project.
Operator: Peak Rare Earths
Rare Earths — Light (NdPr)Large high-grade bastnäsite deposit; timeline unconfirmed.
Operator: Rainbow Rare Earths
Rare Earths — Light (NdPr)Rare earths recovered from phosphogypsum stacks.
Operator: Namibia Critical Metals / JOGMEC
Rare Earths — Heavy (Dy, Tb)Xenotime heavy REE (Dy, Tb); PFS filed Jan 2026.
Operator: Ionic Rare Earths
Rare Earths — Heavy (Dy, Tb)Ionic-clay deposit with heavy-REE-rich basket.