Green Processing of Rare Earth Critical Minerals (GREEM)

Background

The project's establishment of Namibia's first green rare earth processing plant directly addresses the escalating global demand for critical minerals which are indispensable for clean energy technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines. The global supply chain for these Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is currently highly concentrated, with China dominating approximately 65% of global mining and close to 90% of global processing & refining capacity, leading to significant geopolitical and supply chain vulnerabilities. The project serves to diversify this supply and contribute to a more sustainable and secure future for critical minerals availability.

Transformational Innovation

The "Green Processing of Rare Earth Critical Minerals (GREEM)" Project will demonstrate Namibia’s first green processing plant for rare earth elements and other critical minerals using an innovative hydrogen-enabled furnace and off-grid solar energy. By replacing carbon-intensive processing methods, the project aims to secure a sustainable domestic supply chain, reduce reliance on imported technologies, and add value to Namibia’s critical mineral resources. The initiative serves as a proof-of-concept for integrating green hydrogen into industrial mineral processing, providing a replicable model for the Southern African region.

The project is designed as a modular demonstration within Namibia’s green industrialisation ecosystem, which combines captive renewable energy with hydro-metallurgy. The GREEM Project lays the foundation for additional green processing hubs across the country, supporting a regional value chain that is independent of volatile global commodity markets. This aligns with Namibia’s policy to ban unprocessed mineral exports, attracting investment, fostering local industrial growth, and advancing the country’s green economy transition. The project will also support global supply chain diversification away from single market dependency.

Objectives

• Accelerate sustainable critical minerals processing by establishing Namibia’s first green rare earth processing using off-grid solar power and a hydrogen-enabled furnace.
• Diversify global supply chains. Reduce reliance on a single markets for critical Rare Earth metals and minerals enhancing the security and resilience of critical minerals for clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines.
• Demonstrate innovative industrialization by showcasing a pioneering off-grid green processing model integrating renewable energy, hydrogen technology, and modular design as a replicable blueprint for Namibia and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
• Promote socio-economic development by creating local employment, particularly for women from previously disadvantaged communities, and building capacity through a training facility.
• Advance climate and industrial goals by reducing carbon emissions in mineral processing, fostering inclusive industrialization, and supporting sustainable local economic growth.
• Enable knowledge sharing and replication by conducting monitoring, study tours, and dissemination activities to maximize the project’s lighthouse effect and support future replication nationally and regionally.

Expected Impacts

• Environmental: The project avoids approximately 311 tonnes of CO₂ per month by replacing grid-tied or diesel-powered mineral processing with cleaner alternatives. It also promotes renewable energy adoption through the use of off-grid solar power and hydrogen-enabled processing systems.
• Social: The project establishes a dedicated training facility to build local expertise in green mineral processing and promote workforce development. It also advances gender inclusion by targeting 50 percent female participation in technical training, helping to reduce barriers for women in the mining sector.
• Economic: The project produces a basket of rare earth and other critical minerals annually, supporting local value addition. It diversifies global critical mineral supply chains, reducing reliance on a single market and strengthening Namibia’s strategic position. It also builds a skilled local workforce and supports replication of the green processing model across other mineral deposits.