Africa’s Rising Powerhouse in Rare Earth Minerals

Tanzania : As the world accelerates toward electric mobility, renewable energy, and advanced digital technologies, the demand for rare earth minerals has reached unprecedented levels. These 17 strategically important elements crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, lasers, and other high-performance technologies are reshaping global supply chains. Today, Tanzania stands out as Africa’s leading nation in rare earth reserves, with an estimated 890,000 tonnes, positioning the country as a future global supplier of critical minerals.

What Exactly Are Rare Earth Minerals?
Rare earth elements (REEs) consist of 17 soft metals with exceptional magnetic, optical, and electronic properties. They include key elements such as Neodymium, Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Terbium, and Lanthanum—minerals vital to modern technologies. They are grouped into:

Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs) such as Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, and Praseodymium
Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs) such as Terbium, Dysprosium, Erbium, and Ytterbium
Together, these minerals play a foundational role in the global shift toward clean energy and high-tech manufacturing.
Tanzania’s Rare Earth Advantage

Tanzania’s rare earth deposits—particularly at the world-class Ngualla project in Songwe Region—contain high concentrations of magnet metals like Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr), which are essential for electric vehicle motors and renewable energy systems. The country’s reserves also include Dysprosium and Terbium, used in heat-resistant magnets for wind turbine generators and advanced electronics.

With nearly 0.9 million tonnes of known reserves, Tanzania ranks among the top ten countries globally and holds the largest rare earth endowment in Africa. This unique position creates an opportunity for the country to become a central player in regional value chains related to electric mobility, energy technologies, and digital infrastructure.
Investors Already Moving into the Sector

Tanzania’s rare earth potential has attracted strong interest from reputable mining companies. Peak Rare Earths Limited of Australia is advancing development of the Ngualla Rare Earth Project, one of the highest-grade and most advanced rare earth deposits globally. The company is progressing toward construction and has secured an offtake agreement to ensure long-term market access for its concentrate. Another Australian firm, Mamba Minerals Limited, holds exploration and development licences in the Ngualla area and is preparing for project implementation. On the domestic front, Tanzania’s own State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) has taken over the strategic Wigu Hill rare earth prospect in Morogoro Region, reinforcing national participation in the industry. These investments reflect global confidence in Tanzania’s resource potential and regulatory direction.

A New Frontier for Industrial Development
Rare earth mining opens a gateway for Tanzania to diversify its economy beyond traditional minerals. With the country’s strong focus on mining reforms, infrastructure development, and industrialization, Tanzania is well positioned to leverage rare earths for:

Local value addition and mineral processing
Technology transfer and skills development
Stronger regional supply chains
Increased export earnings and investments
Job creation in mining communities
The government’s continued emphasis on beneficiation ensures that Tanzania captures more value—moving from simple extraction to processing and eventually manufacturing components used in future technologies.
Boosting Regional and Global Competitiveness

As global industries accelerate the transition to renewable energy and electric mobility, demand for rare earth minerals will continue to grow. Tanzania’s abundant reserves, supportive investment climate, and strategic location—connected via the Central Corridor, TAZARA Railway, and Port of Dar es Salaam—position the country to become a regional hub for critical minerals.

The ongoing development of rare earth projects is expected to:
Strengthen East and Southern African industrial growth
Support new green energy supply chains
Attract partnerships in research, processing, and manufacturing
Enhance Tanzania’s role in Africa’s economic transformation
A Future Built on Strategic Minerals

Tanzania’s rare earth resources represent more than geological wealth—they are a foundation for long-term economic transformation. With nearly 900,000 tonnes of reserves and growing investment interest, the country is poised to become a major contributor to the global clean energy transition.
If developed responsibly, Tanzania’s rare earth sector will support national development goals, stimulate industrial growth, and create opportunities for generations to come. As the world searches for reliable sources of critical minerals, Tanzania stands ready to step forward as a leader in Africa’s future economy.