Niobium Monitoring Center Africa
Based at Stanford University and at the Honorary Consulate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in San Francisco, together with experts from the Ministry of Promotion, Investment and Trade of the Republic of Somalia and mining specialists operating in Sierra Leone, the Niobium Monitoring Center Africa assesses pyrochlore and niobium exploitation conditions across Africa, with a particular focus on the North Kibo region and Somalia.
Mandate and scope
Niobium Monitoring Center Africa coordinates field verification, technical studies and independent analysis in support of decision makers and scientific partners.
- Monitoring pyrochlore and niobium extraction conditions in key African sites.
- Assessing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks linked to mining activities.
- Producing independent reports for governments, universities and international organisations.
- Contributing to standards on supply-chain traceability and responsible sourcing.
Expert committee
The Center acts through an expert committee chaired by the Somali Commercial Attaché and composed of mining specialists, economists and researchers.
- Coordination with competent authorities in partner African countries.
- Technical exchanges with international universities and research centers.
- Guidance for targeted studies on North Kibo, Somalia and other strategic areas.
Scientific maps and mineral studies
The following maps are used as scientific references for the analysis of niobium, tantalum and rare earth deposits across African cratons.
