Formalisation of plans to develop downstream processing in Europe is a major milestone for Mkango as it advances its vertically-integrated ‘mine-refine-recycle’ strategy. Development of the proposed REE separation facility in Poland will enable Mkango to add value to the purified mixed REE-enriched carbonate that it plans to produce from its Songwe Hill mining project in Malawi, increasing margins and enhancing marketing flexibility through the production of separated oxides attractive to a broader range of potential customers. The site benefits from excellent existing infrastructure, a skilled local workforce and direct access to key processing reagents from its Polish partner’s existing chemicals facility. This should ensure favourable operating costs, while the central European location provides good access to international markets. The latter is of great strategic significance given growing demand for diversified (non-China) secure supply chains from REE-dependent developers of ‘green’ technologies and other strategic applications. Complementing both Songwe Hill and Mkango’s rare-earth magnet recycling initiatives in the UK, development of the plant will thus uniquely position Mkango as a supplier of sustainably sourced REE products across the full REE life cycle.

Mkango Resources Ltd.

• 07 Jun 21
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