At a Glance
- Kendrick secures exclusive rare earth licences in Namibia, targeting 70% acquisition.
- Licences host high-grade REEs critical for EVs, wind turbines, advanced electronics.
- Namibia’s favourable regulations support fast-tracked exploration and battery metals expansion.
Kendrick Resources PLC, a London-listed mineral exploration and development company, is stepping up its African ambitions with exclusive rare earth element (REE) licences in southern Namibia.
The company has signed a binding option agreement to acquire at least a 70% stake in two high-potential exploration licences, Twyfelskupje and Keishohe, giving it until May 19 to complete due diligence before committing to a full acquisition.
Strategic location for rare earth exploration
The licences lie within a carbonatite and alkaline intrusive corridor, a geological setting renowned for rare earth mineralisation.
Twyfelskupje is roughly 55 km southwest of Aus, while Keishohe sits about 65 km southeast of the deepwater port of Lüderitz, positioning the assets strategically for future export.
Under the 120-day exclusive option agreement with Bonya Exploration, Kendrick can exercise its rights at any point, entering into a definitive deal following technical, legal, financial, and regulatory assessments. The exclusivity period may be extended with Bonya’s approval.
High-grade rare earth targets
Kendrick highlighted that Twyfelskupje hosts a circular carbonatite complex approximately 1 km in diameter. Historical channel and grab sampling reported peak rare earth oxide (REO) grades of 4.47% and 4.18%, averaging 3.12%, well above industry norms.
Laboratory assays conducted in Canada revealed REE concentrations exceeding 10,000 ppm for key elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, and samarium, essential for high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics.
At Keishohe, exploration has identified three potential satellite near-surface occurrences. Several areas across both licences are considered drill-ready, following prior geophysical surveys and field exploration. Kendrick plans to begin assaying previously untested drill cores, complemented by trenching and drilling target identification.
REEs: Critical for clean energy and EV supply chains
Executive Chairman of Kendrick, Colin Bird emphasized the strategic importance of rare earths amid rising global demand for clean energy and advanced technology. “Historical assay results significantly outperform industry benchmarks, with high concentrations of magnetic metals critical to EVs, wind turbines, and consumer electronics,” Bird said.
He added that Namibia offers a resource-friendly regulatory environment, enabling accelerated exploration and project valuation. “Several licence areas are drill-ready and have undergone extensive geophysics and field exploration. We aim to fast-track due diligence and technical work to unlock the project’s high potential.”
Colin Bird is a chartered mining engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining with more than 40 years’ experience in resource operations management, corporate management, and finance. Colin has multi commodity mine management experience in Africa, Spain, Latin America and the Middle East.
Kendrick’s expanding battery metals portfolio
Kendrick Resources, traditionally focused on vanadium, nickel, copper, and platinum group metals in Scandinavia, is now diversifying into REEs in Namibia.
The company is targeting sustainable, low-carbon sources of critical metals to supply Europe’s fast-growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets.
