Mining company Kenmare Resources expects to produce and export at least 4,000 metric tons annually of Mozambique’s strategic monazite ore, according to company statements indicating plans to initiate licensing proceedings with the Mozambican Government.
The information was disclosed by Kenmare Resources Country Manager in Mozambique, Gareth Clifton, during the Conference on Value Addition Based on Available Minerals and Energy Resources held in Nacala, northern Mozambique. He noted that the miner is advancing plans to extract the mineral, which is recognized as a vital source of rare earth elements utilized in high-strength permanent magnets and advanced technologies.
According to the executive, a pre-feasibility study evaluating the extraction of monazite in Mozambique was completed two weeks ago.
“Initial results indicate that the project is viable, which is why we have initiated a definitive feasibility study. While economic and methodological details remain to be resolved, I believe the primary obstacle will be logistics,” stated the executive, highlighting the challenges of transporting minerals from Nampula Province to the Port of Nacala over degraded road infrastructure subject to prolonged rainy seasons.
In his presentation, he explained that monazite is classified as a naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), subjecting its handling to strict regulatory oversight and specialized transport controls. He noted that while the company currently lacks dedicated transport equipment for radioactive materials, the export route would require overland road transport to Nacala for containerized shipping.
“However, economic viability—particularly given road transit constraints during the rainy season—represents the primary operational obstacle to project execution, as we would remain vulnerable to weather disruption,” he explained.
“We need to guarantee a steady logistics flow to Nacala; we cannot afford to remain stranded for three or four months every year without shipping containers. Because heavy rains degrade road infrastructure and halt traffic, this stands out as our single largest constraint,” he added.
Regarding regulatory licensing, Clifton noted that statutory requirements for mining and shipping radioactive minerals are well documented, expressing confidence that licensing negotiations with the Mozambican Government will proceed smoothly and flexibly.
The Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in Nampula Province has been operated by Kenmare since 2007, accounting for approximately 6% of global titanium feedstock supply (ilmenite and rutile), which feeds global paint, plastics, and ceramic manufacturing.
Kenmare announced this month that ilmenite production at the Moma mine increased 12% in the third quarter to 233,600 metric tons—a 59% increase over the second quarter. However, the company revised its full-year 2026 production guidance downward to between 710,000 and 750,000 metric tons, citing operational commissioning delays at Wet Concentrator Plant A (WCP A).
In the same operational update, the mining firm confirmed that strategic acquisition talks remain ongoing with International Resources Holding (IRH)—an Abu Dhabi-backed investment firm based in the United Arab Emirates. Kenmare further reiterated that renewing its Mining Implementation Agreement with the State of Mozambique remains a “fundamental strategic priority.”
Source: Lusa