Pensana Meets U.S. Government to Establish Strategic Rare Earth Supply Chain Amid China Restrictions
Rare earths developer Pensana has announced that its CEO Tim George and CCO Will Izod recently met with David Copley, deputy director for critical and emerging technology at the White House National Security Council, to discuss establishing a secure and resilient rare earth supply chain into the United States.
The meeting concluded a week of high-level engagements in Washington, during which Pensana and strategic partner ReElement held discussions with multiple U.S. government agencies about the potential for Pensana’s Longonjo rare earths mine in Angola to become a strategic supplier for domestic processing.
A key factor is that Longonjo is on track for first production in early 2027, just ahead of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, which will limit imports of rare earths for defense applications to allied countries only.
Pensana outlined how its large rare earth resource, combined with ReElement’s domestic processing capabilities, could provide a long-term secure supply of rare earths from Angola, supporting the growth of U.S. manufacturing capacity in critical technologies.
Copley reaffirmed the U.S. administration’s commitment to strengthening allied partnerships for critical minerals and confirmed support for initiatives to secure clean, reliable rare earth supplies for the U.S.
During the Washington meetings, Pensana and ReElement engaged with the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the International Development Finance Corporation, the U.S.
Trade and Development Agency, the Department of Commerce, the State Department, and the Office of Senator Ted Cruz, chair of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy.
“These meetings mark an important step in positioning Pensana as a trusted partner to the U.S. for a reliable long-term supply of rare earths,” said Pensana Chairperson Paul Atherley.
“With China tightening its control over global supply, there has never been a better time to establish an independent supply from a reliable partner.”
The discussions come amid reports from the South China Morning Post that China has introduced stricter rules on the mining and processing of rare earths, including imported minerals, requiring enterprises to report material flows monthly.
Pensana notes that the new rules extend China’s quota system to both domestic and imported materials for refining, raising concerns about potential pressures on global rare earth supply.
