Lindian Resources Limited has executed a Stockpile Access and Option Agreement with Summit Atom Rare Earth Company LLP to secure an exclusive option over the 13,389-tonne Aktau heavy rare earth feedstock parcel in Kazakhstan.

The transaction gives Lindian exclusive rights over the above-ground material, which comprises 7,549 tonnes already prepared for transport and 5,840 tonnes undergoing drying. The agreement also provides a 12-month exclusive pathway to evaluate an additional 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes of unextracted material without upfront cash consideration.

The secured material is intended to serve as supplementary feedstock for the SARECO mixed rare earths carbonate hydrometallurgical processing facility in Stepnogorsk. Lindian acquired 100% ownership of the SARECO facility on August 10, 2026, superseding earlier development plans that involved holding a 51% interest. First processing at the facility is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Aktau material historically served as feedstock for SARECO when the plant was commissioned in 2012 by Kazatomprom and Sumitomo Corporation. The current evaluation aims to determine whether the stockpile can support the production of a mixed heavy rare earth carbonate product containing dysprosium, terbium and yttrium, utilizing the established rail corridor between Aktau and Stepnogorsk.

“What makes this particularly interesting is the potential rare earth distribution. Kangankunde gives Lindian strong exposure to NdPr. Aktau provides us with the opportunity to establish whether we can add dysprosium, terbium and yttrium into the product suite through SARECO.”

— Zac Komur, Executive Director

Exercising the option remains conditional on agreeing to a purchase price and material terms in writing, executing a definitive sale and purchase agreement, and performing obligations under the SARECO acquisition agreement. Initial sampling and metallurgical testwork results for the Aktau stockpile are expected in the coming months.

Read the full announcement: Lindian Secures Heavy Rare Earth Feedstock