The upgrade and transition of Wet Concentrator Plant A (WCP A) to the Nataka ore zone at the Moma Titanium Minerals mine, in Mozambique, will unlock the majority of the operation’s nine-billion-tonne mineral resource base and secure production for decades, says mineral sands producer Kenmare Resources MD Tom Hickey.

The upgrade and commissioning of WCP A has been a key operational focus in 2025 and into 2026, with the project engineered to maintain Moma’s position as a globally competitive, low-cost supplier of titanium minerals and zircon.

By the end of 2025, more than 80% of the project’s $341-million capital cost had been incurred, with the remaining cost of about $70-million to be spent through to 2032.

The company has also been finalising negotiations with the government of Mozambique regarding the renewal of its implementation agreement, which governs the fiscal terms of its processing and export operations.

“Kenmare has spent more than three years negotiating the renewal of Moma’s implementation agreement,” confirms Hickey.

The company is also targeting shipments of more than 1.1-million tonnes of titanium minerals and zircon this year.

“While titanium dioxide pigment is predominantly used in paints and coatings, it also contributes to energy efficiency in buildings and is used in renewable-energy technologies such as solar cells and advanced batteries.

“Titanium metal’s strength-to-weight ratio also improves fuel efficiency in transport applications, while zircon is used in ceramics, renewable-energy systems, nuclear power and energy storage technologies,” he adds.

Kenmare also produces monazite, which contains rare earth elements used in permanent magnets for wind turbines.

In terms of day-to-day operations at Moma, he adds that the company has shifted towards a value-over-volume approach, as it focuses on shipment performance, production management and cost reduction during a period of lower product prices and higher net debt.

Mozambique remains central to Kenmare’s long-term growth plans as the location of its sole operating asset, says Hickey, adding that Kenmare has operated in the country for about 40 years and has invested more than $1.5-billion in developing the Moma mine and associated infrastructure.

Moma is one of the world’s largest titanium minerals deposits, with a mine life of more than 100 years at current production rates.

He adds that Mozambique continues to attract interest from exploration and mining companies, as well as global investors, owing to deposits of titanium minerals, graphite, lithium, rare earths and rubies. Such investors are seeking long-life operations, downstream value creation and responsible mining practices, as well as predictable engagement with government.

However, while Mozambique offers strong mineral potential, access to shipping routes and a comparatively low-cost operating environment, Hickey notes that infrastructure constraints, regulatory uncertainty and market volatility are key challenges facing operators in the country.

Hickey says titanium minerals and zircon continue to play an important role in global industrial supply chains, particularly in the manufacture of paints, plastics, paper and ceramics, with titanium included on critical minerals lists in the US, Europe and the UK.

Sustainability Initiative

More than 90% of Moma’s electricity is supplied through hydropower, while more than 90% of water used on site is recycled, states Hickey.

Kenmare does not use toxic chemicals in its mining or processing operations and undertakes progressive land rehabilitation, with mined land often returned to communities within 18 months of mining. It also planted about 200 000 tree saplings in 2025 and continues to work towards its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.

Community development remains a strategic focus through the Kenmare Moma Development Association, which was established before Moma entered production to support livelihoods, healthcare and education, as well as water and sanitation projects in host communities.

Since 2004, the association has invested more than $25-million in these projects.

“These initiatives have included supplying clean water to about 55 000 people, constructing three community health centres, building more than 100 classrooms and supporting about 100 microbusinesses,” adds Hickey.

Construction of the district’s first hospital is expected to be completed later this year.

Kenmare directly employs almost 1 700 people at Moma, of whom 97% are Mozambican, including the mine’s GM. Its economic contribution includes $54-million paid in wages to Mozambican employees in 2025 and more than $100-million paid to local suppliers during the same year.