London-listed rare earths miner Pensana has appointed Benedito Dumbo site manager of the Longonjo rare earths mine, in Angola, ahead of the project’s main construction phase.

He has been a mining engineer engaged in the development of the project for the past three years.

The Luanda-born local has a degree in mining engineering from the Camborne School of Mines, which is part of the University of Exeter.

Pensana says Dumbo has a proven record in drilling, logging, fleet management and maintenance systems.

In particular, he has been instrumental in the review and management of the local quarries that will be critical as the Longonjo project advances with civil works in the next few months.

“It is an honour to fulfil my dream of delivering a project which will not only benefit the local region but the whole of Angola at a time where the economy is being diversified away from traditional oil and gas. I'm excited to be delivering opportunities for local people and hope to continue to inspire young dreamers like me to join the project and the world of mining,” Dumbo comments.

The Longonjo project is expected to be commissioned by August next year.

The $217-million investment required for the project is poised to have a significant positive impact on the region, including the creation of 650 jobs during construction and about 400 high-value direct jobs during operation, while boosting the local economy.

The mine will comprise an openpit operation, concentrator and recovery plant, as well as a tailings storage facility. It will produce 38 000 t/y of mixed rare earth sulphate, which will be railed 273 km to the Atlantic Port of Lobito for export.

Pensana owns 84% of the Longonjo mine, with the Angolan Sovereign Wealth Fund holding a 10% interest and other parties the balance.