Local authorities in Malawi have detained a group of individuals suspected of attempting to collect geological samples without consent, after they were found trespassing at Lindian Resources’ (ASX:LIN) Kangankunde Rare Earths Project.
Lindian said in a statement this action is considered a “serious breach” of site security and a “concerning act” of industrial trespass, particularly given the strategic nature of the Kangankunde Project.
The project is considered among one of the largest and highest grade undeveloped rare earths resources globally, totalling 261 million tonnes @ 2.14% total rare earth oxide.
Kangankunde also has an estimated stage one mine life exceeding 45 years, with a low capex of US$40 million ($62.3 million).
The company adds this latest incident underscores the importance of Kangankunde in the global rare earths supply chain at a time of increasing geopolitical and trade tensions particularly amid tariff escalations between the US and China, where rare earth access is of central strategic concern.
Executive Chairman Robert Martin says the company takes site safety and security seriously, especially with pre-construction works underway.
“To find foreign nations on an active unmapped haul road allegedly taking geological samples is concerning specifically with the current geopolitical nature of the rare earths market,” Martin says.
“We will continue to work with the authorities to ensure that the company’s sovereignty and security are maintained to the highest standard.”
Earlier this month, China’s Ministry of Commerce imposed export restrictions on seven rare earths and magnets used in the defence, energy, and automotive industries, in response to US President Donald Trump’s tariff increases on Chinese products.
The Center for Strategic & International Studies reports that there are no heavy rare earths separation happening in the US at present and the nation is already on the back foot when it comes to manufacturing defence technologies.
Rare earths are considered crucial for a range of defence technologies, including F-35 fighter jets, Virginia and Columbia-class submarines, Tomahawk missiles, radar systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Lindian Resources
