Social Development

Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

Building a Sustainable Future Together

At Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM), sustainability is not a checkbox — it is the foundation of how we operate, engage and grow.

As one of the world’s significant rare earth and thorium projects, SMM recognises both the responsibility and opportunity that comes with developing critical minerals essential to the global low-carbon economy. Our approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is centred around responsible mining, meaningful community development, transparent governance and long-term regional impact.

Responsible Mining with Purpose

SMM is a fully licensed mining operation with all required environmental approvals in place. As an existing underground mine with a relatively small surface footprint, the project benefits from significantly reduced environmental disturbance compared to many conventional mining operations.

Our environmental commitments include:

  • Ongoing rehabilitation of historical mining areas
  • Responsible environmental management and monitoring
  • Progressive reduction of environmental impact
  • Long-term renewable energy integration targets
  • Sustainable water and waste management practices
  • Protection of biodiversity and surrounding ecosystems

SMM is targeting a transition toward renewable energy integration within the first few years of commissioning as part of our long-term sustainability strategy.

Rare earth elements produced at Steenkampskraal are critical to technologies supporting the global energy transition, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, advanced electronics and renewable energy systems.

Thorium, another important mineral associated with the project, is increasingly recognised internationally as a potential clean-energy fuel source for future molten salt reactor technologies and the production of medical isotopes used in cancer treatment.

Social Development Beyond Compliance

At SMM, Social Development extends far beyond regulatory compliance under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and our approved Social and Labour Plan (SLP).

We believe mining should leave behind stronger communities, expanded opportunities, and sustainable long-term value. Our Social Development strategy focuses on creating measurable impact in the communities surrounding the mine, particularly within the greater Matzikama region of the Western Cape.

Our Commitment to Communities

SMM’s current Social and Labour Plan was developed through extensive engagement with local stakeholders, community structures, municipal leadership and government representatives.

Our approach is built on:

  • Transparency and continuous engagement
  • Collaboration with communities and stakeholders
  • Sustainable development partnerships
  • Youth empowerment and education
  • Skills development and local economic participation
  • Long-term community resilience

As the mine progresses from pre-production into full operations, SMM aims to progressively expand the reach and scale of its community development initiatives.

Current Social Development Initiatives

Even during the pre-production phase, SMM has already implemented and funded several community-focused initiatives through investor funding, demonstrating our commitment before revenue generation has commenced.

These initiatives include:

Education Support

  • Funding educator support positions at rural schools
  • Support toward learner transport programmes
  • Boarding school support initiatives for learners from remote communities
  • Development plans for school hostels and learner welfare facilities
  • Digital and media centre planning for schools
  • Educational support programmes focused on academic excellence and youth empowerment

Learner Transport Programmes

SMM currently supports transport programmes assisting learners from remote rural communities to access education safely and consistently.

These include:

  • Daily scholar transport services
  • Weekend boarding school transport
  • Community support transport initiatives

Community Infrastructure Development

Planned and ongoing initiatives include:

  • School infrastructure upgrades
  • Hostel improvement projects
  • Community health and hygiene programmes
  • Elderly support facility upgrades
  • Future skills development and entrepreneurship hubs

Skills Development & Youth Empowerment

SMM is committed to increasing opportunities for local youth through:

  • Skills development initiatives
  • Workplace readiness programmes
  • Entrepreneurship support
  • Practical training opportunities
  • Mentorship and leadership development

Future initiatives also include bursary opportunities linked to mining, engineering and technical career pathways.

Local Economic Participation

SMM remains committed to supporting local business participation and economic inclusion wherever operationally possible.

This includes:

  • Supporting local SMMEs
  • Community-based transport opportunities
  • Local procurement participation
  • Broad-based empowerment initiatives
  • Stakeholder collaboration and partnership development

SMM is committed to creating opportunities that support local people, local businesses, and long-term community growth.

Governance & Transparency

Good governance is fundamental to sustainable mining.

SMM is committed to:

  • Ethical business practices
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Transparent stakeholder engagement
  • Responsible reporting and accountability
  • Sustainable long-term decision-making
  • Continuous improvement in ESG performance

Through structured engagement platforms, regular consultation, and stakeholder collaboration, SMM aims to build trust-based relationships with surrounding communities and partners.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

Our vision is not simply to operate a mine.

Our vision is to contribute toward building stronger communities, empowering future generations, and creating sustainable opportunities that continue long after mining activities have ended.

At Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine, responsible mining and meaningful social development go hand in hand.