Mkango Resources announces the Songwe Hill project, which would export rare earth neodymium and praseodymium oxides from Malawi to North America and Europe.
According to Mkango Resources, Songwe Hill Rare Earths Mining will deliver vital rare earth elements to markets in North America and Europe from Malawi.
The project has been classified as a Strategic Project under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) of the European Union, per a press release obtained by newsaih.com.
The distinction emphasizes how important Songwe is to the supply of rare earth elements to the markets in North America and Europe.
“Songwe is among the few rare earth projects globally to have finished a comprehensive Environmental, Social, Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) and a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) that complies with NI 43-101,” the news announcement said.
The project is anticipated to have an 18-year mine life and produce mixed rare earth carbonate, which includes neodymium and praseodymium oxides, which are essential for renewable energy technology. In July 2024, the project signed a mining development agreement with the Malawian government.
In addition, the CRMA already designated Mkango’s Pulawy Separation Project in Poland—which will process Songwe materials—as a Strategic Project in March 2025.
Songwe and Pulawy are currently involved in a joint project to supply rare earth oxides across Europe in a safe manner.
Because of their strategic importance, these projects can more easily obtain funding and assistance from EU member states, which helps them grow and establish connections with potential off-takers.
This information comes after the announcement on January 8, 2025, of a proposed SPAC merger that would create a vertically integrated rare earths company by listing Lancaster Exploration Limited, a Mkango subsidiary, on the NASDAQ.
In order to meet the growing demand from industries like wind turbines and electric vehicles, Mkango plans to establish new sustainable sources of essential materials and establish itself as a leader in recycling rare earth magnets.
Through its majority-owned Maginito Limited and its affiliated businesses in the USA, UK, and Germany, the corporation has interests in recycling rare earth elements.
On March 25, 2025, a list of 47 strategic critical raw material projects was issued, and 13 more overseas projects, including Songwe, were announced. The statement goes on to note that this development is a part of a larger EU plan.
