The Future of Rare Earths: Pensana's Longonjo Project and Ricoh's Sustainability Triumph
April 3, 2025, 11:56 am
Location: France, Ile-de-France, Paris
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 2007
Total raised: $731.54M
In the realm of rare earth elements, the stakes are high. The world is shifting towards electrification, and rare earths are the backbone of this transition. Pensana Plc is stepping into the spotlight with its Longonjo project in Angola. This venture is not just another mining operation; it’s a beacon of hope for sustainable development in the rare earth sector.
Pensana recently announced an updated ore reserve estimate for Longonjo. The numbers are impressive. The ore reserve grade has climbed to 3.04% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO), housing 139,000 tonnes of Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr) oxide. This makes Longonjo one of the largest and highest-grade undeveloped magnet metal projects globally. The mine life is projected to exceed 20 years, a long-term commitment to a critical resource.
The plant is designed to process 800,000 tonnes per annum. For the first five years, the feed grade will be a robust 4.12% TREO. The low strip ratio of 0.25 tonnes of waste for each tonne of ore mined is a cherry on top. It means efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Capital costs are another feather in Pensana's cap. At $217 million, it boasts one of the lowest capital intensities for a project of this scale. The groundwork is already laid. Infrastructure is in place, and contractors are mobilizing. The modularized process plant construction is set to kick off soon. Initial production of 20,000 tonnes per annum of clean, marketable mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) is expected to start in late 2026.
Interest in offtake agreements is bubbling. Companies are lining up for the first phase of production and even the proposed expansion to 40,000 tonnes per annum. This expansion could represent around 5% of the world’s production of rare earths, essential for electric vehicles and offshore wind turbines.
Pensana’s commitment to sustainability is evident. The company has invested over $70 million in exploration and environmental studies over the past six years. They aim to develop the Longonjo mine to the highest international standards, emphasizing community engagement. Their blueprint for sustainable rare earth development is a testament to this commitment.
The Longonjo project is not just about mining; it’s about reducing carbon footprints. The mine, with access to hydroelectric power, is projected to save over 4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to replacing 1.5 GW of fossil fuel electricity generation. In a world grappling with climate change, such initiatives are crucial.
On the other side of the globe, Ricoh is making waves in the sustainability arena. The company has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum rating for its sustainability performance. This recognition places Ricoh among the top 1% of companies assessed, a significant leap from its previous Gold ratings over the last decade.
Ricoh’s sustainability assessment covers a broad spectrum. It evaluates companies on 21 criteria across four core themes: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Ricoh scored an impressive 82 out of 100, with notable strengths in the Environment category. This achievement underscores Ricoh's commitment to responsibility and accountability.
The company’s efforts in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risk management are commendable. Ricoh has focused on improving labor conditions and human rights within its supply chain. Their environmental policies and targets are continually evolving, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability.
Ricoh’s mission is clear: to empower individuals and transform workplaces. Their vision of 'Fulfillment through Work' is not just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle. The company aims to unleash potential and creativity, contributing to a sustainable future.
Both Pensana and Ricoh are examples of how companies can lead in sustainability. Pensana is paving the way for responsible mining practices, while Ricoh is setting benchmarks in corporate sustainability. Their achievements highlight the importance of integrating sustainability into business strategies.
The electrification of motive power is arguably the biggest energy transition in history. Rare earths are essential for this transition. Companies like Pensana are stepping up to meet this demand responsibly. Meanwhile, Ricoh’s recognition as a sustainability leader shows that corporate responsibility is not just a trend; it’s a necessity.
In conclusion, the future of rare earths and corporate sustainability is bright. Pensana’s Longonjo project promises to deliver essential resources while minimizing environmental impact. Ricoh’s Platinum rating reflects a commitment to sustainable practices that can inspire others. Together, they illustrate a path forward, where business success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. The world is watching, and these companies are leading the charge.
Pensana recently announced an updated ore reserve estimate for Longonjo. The numbers are impressive. The ore reserve grade has climbed to 3.04% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO), housing 139,000 tonnes of Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr) oxide. This makes Longonjo one of the largest and highest-grade undeveloped magnet metal projects globally. The mine life is projected to exceed 20 years, a long-term commitment to a critical resource.
The plant is designed to process 800,000 tonnes per annum. For the first five years, the feed grade will be a robust 4.12% TREO. The low strip ratio of 0.25 tonnes of waste for each tonne of ore mined is a cherry on top. It means efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Capital costs are another feather in Pensana's cap. At $217 million, it boasts one of the lowest capital intensities for a project of this scale. The groundwork is already laid. Infrastructure is in place, and contractors are mobilizing. The modularized process plant construction is set to kick off soon. Initial production of 20,000 tonnes per annum of clean, marketable mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) is expected to start in late 2026.
Interest in offtake agreements is bubbling. Companies are lining up for the first phase of production and even the proposed expansion to 40,000 tonnes per annum. This expansion could represent around 5% of the world’s production of rare earths, essential for electric vehicles and offshore wind turbines.
Pensana’s commitment to sustainability is evident. The company has invested over $70 million in exploration and environmental studies over the past six years. They aim to develop the Longonjo mine to the highest international standards, emphasizing community engagement. Their blueprint for sustainable rare earth development is a testament to this commitment.
The Longonjo project is not just about mining; it’s about reducing carbon footprints. The mine, with access to hydroelectric power, is projected to save over 4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to replacing 1.5 GW of fossil fuel electricity generation. In a world grappling with climate change, such initiatives are crucial.
On the other side of the globe, Ricoh is making waves in the sustainability arena. The company has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum rating for its sustainability performance. This recognition places Ricoh among the top 1% of companies assessed, a significant leap from its previous Gold ratings over the last decade.
Ricoh’s sustainability assessment covers a broad spectrum. It evaluates companies on 21 criteria across four core themes: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Ricoh scored an impressive 82 out of 100, with notable strengths in the Environment category. This achievement underscores Ricoh's commitment to responsibility and accountability.
The company’s efforts in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risk management are commendable. Ricoh has focused on improving labor conditions and human rights within its supply chain. Their environmental policies and targets are continually evolving, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability.
Ricoh’s mission is clear: to empower individuals and transform workplaces. Their vision of 'Fulfillment through Work' is not just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle. The company aims to unleash potential and creativity, contributing to a sustainable future.
Both Pensana and Ricoh are examples of how companies can lead in sustainability. Pensana is paving the way for responsible mining practices, while Ricoh is setting benchmarks in corporate sustainability. Their achievements highlight the importance of integrating sustainability into business strategies.
The electrification of motive power is arguably the biggest energy transition in history. Rare earths are essential for this transition. Companies like Pensana are stepping up to meet this demand responsibly. Meanwhile, Ricoh’s recognition as a sustainability leader shows that corporate responsibility is not just a trend; it’s a necessity.
In conclusion, the future of rare earths and corporate sustainability is bright. Pensana’s Longonjo project promises to deliver essential resources while minimizing environmental impact. Ricoh’s Platinum rating reflects a commitment to sustainable practices that can inspire others. Together, they illustrate a path forward, where business success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. The world is watching, and these companies are leading the charge.