A newly confirmed rare earth elements (REEs) discovery in Mkiu Village, Ludewa District, Njombe Region, Tanzania, is adding fresh momentum to Africa’s bid to become a critical supplier of strategic minerals key to the global clean-energy transition.
The discovery, carried out by Chinese company Hongji Mining Co. Ltd in partnership with the Tanzanian government and verified by local news outlets, contains Neodymium and Praseodymium, key minerals for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics
According to Njombe Resident Mining Officer Engineer Lucas Mlekwa, the discovery followed coordinated exploration by Chinese firm Hongji Mining Co. Ltd to determine the scale and commercial viability of the deposits before major investments are made, he told reporters.
“We have high hopes that Tanzania will become one of the countries benefiting economically through trade in these minerals in regional and international markets,” Mlekwa said.
He noted the discovery comes amid rising global demand for clean energy technologies.
