Pensana’s Angola Rare Earth Project Gains US Attention as Washington Targets Non-Chinese Critical Mineral Supply
Pensana has participated in a private briefing with US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior US officials focused on strengthening independent American supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals.
The briefing highlighted the US administration’s support for reducing reliance on China for critical mineral supplies, particularly rare earth elements used in defence systems, electric vehicles, renewable energy and advanced technologies.
Pensana was represented by CEO Tim George, with the company’s Longonjo Rare Earth Project in Angola positioned as a potential source of non-Chinese supply.
The project is currently under construction and is approximately 25% complete, with first production of mixed rare earth carbonate targeted for 2028.
Longonjo is considered one of the significant new rare earth developments outside China.
Pensana is seeking to establish an integrated supply chain capable of providing rare earth materials to international markets, including the United States.
The company’s participation comes as Washington accelerates efforts to build secure domestic and allied sources of critical minerals.
The Trump administration recently announced $3 billion in support for US critical-mineral and battery projects, reinforcing its push to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains.
For Angola, the development highlights the growing strategic importance of the country’s mineral resources.
The Longonjo project could position Angola as an emerging supplier of rare earths at a time when governments and manufacturers are seeking to diversify global supply chains.
Pensana’s involvement in the Washington briefing also strengthens the international profile of the Longonjo project and demonstrates the growing importance of African rare earth resources in efforts to build more diversified critical-mineral supply chains.
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