Lindian Resources Limited is maintaining its schedule for first production at the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi during the fourth quarter of 2026, with front-end commissioning targeted for late October and practical completion slated for November.

The latest operational update shows construction, mining, and operational readiness advancing concurrently across the Balaka site. Mining operations have ramped up following earlier drill-and-blast activities, with ore currently being mined and stockpiled ahead of plant commissioning. Process plant construction is accelerating alongside the tailings storage facility, where civil works are progressing toward completion by the end of October.

Infrastructure milestones include the completion of Phase 1 of the 33kV high-voltage overhead powerline, while water supply boreholes and associated works continue to advance in support of plant operations. Lindian has also completed approximately 1.2 kilometres of perimeter fencing to secure key operational areas, alongside the initial camp, administration block, and explosives magazine. The Phase 2 accommodation camp extension is targeted for completion in September 2026, following the initial 90-personnel facility established earlier in the year.

“Kangankunde continues to make strong progress toward first production in Q4 2026. Mining is now ramping up, ore is being stockpiled and construction is advancing across the process plant, TSF, power, water and supporting infrastructure.”

— Zac Komur, Executive Director

In parallel with site works in Malawi, Lindian is expanding its operational capability across Kazakhstan, Singapore, and Perth to support its integrated rare earths strategy. This includes preparations for the recently acquired SARECO MREC Processing Facility in Kazakhstan, where 25 experienced personnel are transferring to Lindian, with the operating team expected to expand to approximately 75 personnel. Executive Director Zac Komur is relocating to Stepnogorsk to oversee the facility through integration, commissioning, and ramp-up.

“At the same time, we are building our operational capability in Kazakhstan as SARECO advances toward MREC production. I will be relocating to Stepnogorsk to provide direct executive oversight of the facility through integration, commissioning and operational ramp-up, working alongside the experienced team already established at SARECO.”

— Zac Komur, Executive Director

Looking ahead, Lindian’s DRA-led Feasibility Study for the Stage 2 expansion at Kangankunde is targeted for completion in December 2026.

Read the full announcement: Construction, Operational Readiness Team Progress Update