London listed critical minerals company NeoTerra Group PLC is progressing towards the next phase of technical evaluation at its Monte Muambe rare earths project in Mozambique, with final discussions underway with potential United States based partners for a US$1.875 million pre feasibility programme.
The programme, supported through funding from the United States Trade and Development Agency, is intended to advance metallurgical testing and process engineering work required to assess the technical and economic viability of developing the rare earths resource in Mozambique’s Tete Province. Preparation activities have already begun at the project site, with contractor selection expected to be concluded in the coming weeks, according to the company.
Monte Muambe is located in the Moatize District of Tete Province and is being developed as a potential source of rare earth elements, including neodymium and praseodymium, which are used in technologies such as permanent magnets, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and other advanced industrial applications. The project has a reported mineral resource estimate of 13.6 million tonnes at 2.42 percent total rare earth oxides, according to NeoTerra.
The pre feasibility programme will focus on reducing technical risks associated with mineral processing, including laboratory testing, process design, economic modelling and assessments that will support future development decisions. The study is also expected to examine environmental and social considerations as part of the broader evaluation process.
For Mozambique, the advancement of Monte Muambe forms part of a wider effort by African mineral producing countries to capture greater value from critical minerals amid growing global demand for resources needed in energy transition technologies and advanced manufacturing. The project reflects the increasing interest from international partners in Africa’s mineral potential, while also highlighting the importance of developing local capabilities, infrastructure and transparent value chains alongside resource extraction.
Globally, rare earths have become increasingly strategic due to their role in modern technologies and supply chain resilience. While countries and companies are seeking to diversify sources of supply, African producers face the challenge of ensuring that mineral development contributes to long term economic benefits through skills development, industrial participation and responsible resource governance.
NeoTerra has stated that the Monte Muambe project is intended to support the development of a diversified African critical minerals platform. The company continues to assess the project’s potential alongside other mineral opportunities, including fluorspar and gallium prospects identified within the broader Monte Muambe area.
The completion of the pre feasibility programme will provide further information on the commercial potential of the project and inform decisions regarding possible future investment, financing and development pathways.
