• Angola’s Longonjo project may boost heavy rare earths fivefold

• Upgrade could raise dysprosium and terbium output to 160 tonnes/year

• Higher HREO content expected to increase demand and pricing potential

Angola’s Longonjo rare earths project could increase its heavy rare earth content more than fivefold after operators identified new recovery options, British miner Pensana said on Thursday.

Pensana said the findings follow a study commissioned amid rising demand from commercial partners. Under current plans, Longonjo is expected to produce 20,000 tons a year of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC), a blend of light and heavy rare earths used in magnet manufacturing.

The company said adding a circuit to recover heavy rare earth oxides (HREO) would sharply increase the output of dysprosium and terbium, two key elements for high-strength magnets. Pensana estimates the upgrade could raise the heavy rare earth content in Longonjo’s MREC to about 160 tons a year, up from roughly 30 tons now.

Pensana has not yet detailed how the change would affect the mine’s overall production profile. Capital and operating costs for the new recovery circuit are still being assessed. But based on early talks with buyers, the company said a higher heavy rare earth content could lift demand and improve pricing for Longonjo’s output.

The plan comes as global demand for rare earths is set to rise. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), consumption could reach 150,000 tons by 2040, up from 91,000 tons in 2024. Longonjo is already drawing interest, particularly in the United States, where its future production is slated to supply a partnership announced in October with magnet maker VAC.

While further details of the upgrade are pending, construction at the site has already begun, with commissioning scheduled for 2027. The project has a budget of $268 million. Angola holds a 26% stake in Pensana through its sovereign wealth fund.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou