(Ecofin Agency) - Mining firm Rainbow Rare Earth has announced last Tuesday that it has exported its first cargo of rare earth concentrates coming from its Gakara project in Burundi. By coming online, the Gakara mine makes the firm the sole producer of rare earths in Africa and one of the rarest in the world, besides China.

“This is a proud moment for all involved in the company and we now look forward to growing our monthly production levels over the coming months targeting a 5 000 tpa run rate by the end of 2018,” said Martin Eales, CEO of the firm.

Rare earths consist of a group of 17 lanthanides scandium metals. They have exceptional properties, enabling them to be used to manufacture high-tech products (electric and hybrid car batteries, LED), smartphone chips, laptop screens, PV panels).