Pensana Targets Fivefold Increase in Heavy Rare Earth Output at Longonjo Project
Following a comprehensive review of the Longonjo processing flowsheet, London-listed rare earths producer Pensana says it has identified significant potential to increase the content of heavy rare earths in its high-value mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product by more than five times.
The evaluation was launched in response to rising demand from offtake partners seeking secure supplies of both light and heavy rare earth elements starting in 2027.
Heavy rare earths, particularly valuable in high-performance automotive and advanced technology applications, are a key focus of the company’s product strategy.
Pensana’s Longonjo mine in Angola is set to produce 20,000 t/y of MREC in its initial phase, with plans to scale up to 40,000 t/y.
The review indicates that adding a selective heavy rare earth oxide (HREO) recovery circuit before the product precipitation stage could substantially increase the recovery of dysprosium oxide (DyO) and terbium oxide (TbO)—two of the most valuable heavy rare earths in the MREC basket.
According to Pensana, the current 30 t/y of HREO contained in MREC could rise to as much as 160 t/y, consisting of 130 t of DyO and 30 t of TbO.
Early feedback from potential offtake partners suggests that this enhanced HREO content would further strengthen demand and improve the product’s market valuation.
The company is now finalising capital and operating cost estimates for the proposed HREO recovery circuit. Initial assessments indicate that the higher-value product will generate substantially greater revenue.
For context, dysprosium oxide currently trades at around $208,000 per tonne, while terbium oxide commands approximately $918,950 per tonne.
“This evaluation positions Longonjo as one of the few near-term suppliers capable of supporting the full mine-to-magnet supply chain with both light and heavy rare earths,” said Pensana CEO Tim George. “Our offtake partners have been clear about their needs, and this upgrade will further elevate Longonjo’s role within the global rare earths sector.”
