Lindian Resources (ASX:LIN) has stockpiled about 125,000 tonnes of ore ahead of schedule at its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi, as construction advances toward first concentrate production by the end of 2026.
The company hosted Malawi’s Minister of Mining Thoko Tembo at the site on 23 September, with Tembo inspecting mining operations and initiating the project’s 14th production blast.
Executive Director Zac Komur says the project is moving from construction into operations.
“What is most encouraging when you walk the site today is how clearly Kangankunde [and] the plant is taking shape quickly, mining is established and the focus of the team is increasingly on finishing systems, commissioning and preparing to operate the asset,” Komur notes.
The stage one pit is open, and 14 production blasts are complete. Drill and blast, ore haulage, and run-of-mine (ROM) stockpiling continue via the completed haul road. Grade control sampling is progressing to support ore definition and feed planning.
Process plant construction runs 24 hours a day, focused on mechanical installation, piping, and electrical and instrumentation works. Civil works in the SAG mill area are near completion, thickener installation is complete, and structural works in the gravity separation circuit are well advanced.
Tailings storage facility bulk earthworks are complete, with toe dam lining and associated piping advancing toward commissioning readiness. Site transformer installation and energisation are planned for October.
Tembo says the government expects benefits beyond revenue.
“We expect a lot more than just revenue. We’ve got the jobs that the project will create, and the local people who will be supplying it,” Tembo emphasises.
“Not just from the tax — we expect that Kangankunde can open doors, develop Malawi, and help with other areas as well.”
The project employs more than 85% Malawian nationals in Lindian’s direct workforce, with the wider construction workforce exceeding 3,000.
Lindian has approved salary increases for Executive Chairman Robert Martin and Executive Director Zac Komur to $1 million annually each, effective 1 July.
The company maintains its target of practical completion and first monazite concentrate production by the end of 2026.
Lindian Resources is an Australian critical minerals developer with rare earths and bauxite assets in Malawi and Guinea.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Lindian Resources
