Deal Summary
| Company | Pensana plc |
| Project | Longonjo rare earth mine |
| Country | Angola |
| Minerals | Rare earth elements (NdPr focus) |
| Location | Huíla Province, adjacent to Benguela Railway |
| Status | Development stage, seeking project financing |
Deal Overview
Pensana's Longonjo project represents Angola's entry into the rare earth elements sector and the Lobito Corridor's diversification beyond copper and cobalt. Located in Huíla Province with direct access to the Benguela Railway, Longonjo is positioned to become one of the few non-Chinese sources of neodymium and praseodymium — the rare earth elements essential for permanent magnets used in wind turbines and electric vehicle motors.
China currently dominates rare earth production and processing, controlling approximately 60 percent of mining output and over 85 percent of processing capacity. This concentration creates supply chain vulnerability for Western manufacturers. Longonjo represents a strategic diversification opportunity aligned with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act and US supply chain security objectives.
The project's proximity to corridor infrastructure provides a logistics advantage over rare earth deposits in more remote African locations. Rail access to Lobito port enables competitive export to European processing facilities, where Pensana has proposed building a refinery in the UK to create an end-to-end non-Chinese rare earth supply chain from mine to magnet.
Strategic Significance
For the Lobito Corridor, Longonjo demonstrates that the infrastructure serves more than copper and cobalt transport. Rare earth minerals add diversity to corridor cargo volumes and connect the corridor to the rapidly growing permanent magnet market. Every offshore wind turbine requires approximately two tonnes of rare earth magnets; every EV motor requires several kilograms. Demand projections show exponential growth through 2040.
For Angola, the project supports the country's economic diversification strategy away from oil dependence. President Lourenço's government has prioritised mining sector development as a pillar of post-petroleum economic strategy. Longonjo's development would establish Angola as a rare earth producer and create precedent for further mineral exploration.
Community and Environmental Context
The Longonjo project site is in a relatively sparsely populated area, reducing but not eliminating displacement and community impact concerns. Rare earth mining carries specific environmental risks including radioactive waste management, as rare earth deposits often contain thorium and uranium. Processing generates significant chemical waste requiring careful treatment.
We will monitor Pensana's environmental management plans and community engagement as the project advances toward construction. The Angola Mining Code and Private Investment Law govern the project's regulatory framework.
⚙ Our Assessment
Longonjo is strategically significant for corridor diversification and Western rare earth supply chain security. The project faces financing challenges typical of junior mining companies developing African deposits. We assess the project as high-potential, high-risk, and will monitor progress toward financing closure and construction commencement. Environmental management of radioactive materials is a particular concern that requires independent verification.
Related Deals and Connections
Cross-References
Infrastructure: Benguela Railway, Port of Lobito
Minerals: Rare Earth Elements
Regulations: Angola Mining Code, EU Critical Raw Materials Act
Countries: Angola
Data sources: Public disclosures, official announcements, media reporting, and verified public sources. This analysis is independently produced by Lobito Corridor and does not represent the views of any investor, government, or company. Last updated: May 19, 2026.