Africa’s rare-earth story is gaining momentum as global demand surges for minerals that power electric vehicles, wind turbines, and high-tech manufacturing. Across the continent, a handful of companies are moving from exploration to development, unlocking deposits that place Africa firmly on the map of critical mineral supply.
Here are the Top 5 Rare Earth Metals Mining Companies in Africa as of 2025, based on verified resources, active project development, and documented rare-earth operations:
— Steenkampskraal Holdings (South Africa): Owner of the Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine, one of the highest-grade rare-earth deposits globally, with significant magnet-critical elements and ongoing redevelopment work.
— Rainbow Rare Earths (South Africa): Advancing the Phalaborwa Rare Earths Project, extracting REEs from phosphogypsum waste to produce neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium in a low-impact recovery process.
— Peak Rare Earths (Tanzania): Developer of the Ngualla Rare Earth Project, a large and high-grade NdPr deposit positioned as one of Africa’s most advanced rare-earth developments.
— Mkango Resources (Malawi): Driving the Songwe Hill Rare Earths Project, recently recognized as a strategic project under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act due to its strong feasibility progress and high-value REE mix.
— Pensana Plc (Angola): Developing the Longonjo Rare Earths Project, focused on magnet metals and supported by long-term plans for processing and value-addition within Angola.
Africa’s rare-earth sector is still evolving, but these five companies stand out for their verified assets, development activity, and their role in shaping the continent’s growing footprint in global critical minerals.
Image Credit: Tetra Tech, Inc.
