Lindian secures ANSTO transport exemption for Kangankunde concentrate Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has received independent confirmation from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) that its Kangankunde monazite concentrate is exempt from radioactive transport classification under international regulations — a result the company says materially de-risks its pathway to market.

ANSTO concluded that representative Kangankunde concentrate samples would not be classified as radioactive for transport under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s SSR-6 framework, meaning shipments are not subject to Class 7 dangerous goods controls.

For Lindian, the determination supports a simpler and more flexible export model as it advances the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi towards first production.

Independent validation under global transport rules

ANSTO undertook high-resolution gamma spectrometry analysis across the U-238, U-235 and Th-232 decay chains, assessing both parent isotopes and daughter radionuclides in line with IAEA transport criteria.

The agency reported activity concentrations for the two representative concentrate samples of:

• U-238: 0.74 becquerels per gram (Bq/g) and 0.50 Bq/g
• Th-232: 3.0 Bq/g and 2.7 Bq/g

These levels underpin ANSTO’s conclusion that the material is exempt from radioactive transport classification under SSR-6.

ANSTO also reported Actinium-227 (Ac-227) as below detection in both samples. Based on supplied uranium concentrations of around 60 parts per million and 40 parts per million, Lindian noted that calculated U-235 activities — and therefore expected Ac-227 levels under secular equilibrium assumptions — would be of a similarly low order of magnitude.

Executive director Zac Komur said the independent assessment “provides clear confirmation” of the concentrate’s radiological profile and a structural advantage compared with many rare earth peers.

“ANSTO’s determination that the product is exempt from SSR-6 radioactive transport classification is a significant structural advantage,” he said. “Unlike many rare earth projects that must manage Class 7 shipping constraints or undertake early downstream processing to remove and manage uranium and thorium, Kangankunde supports a simpler, lower-risk export model.”

Logistics and cost advantages

Class 7 transport controls require specialised packaging, documentation and carrier restrictions, or force early-stage downstream treatment to isolate radioactive streams.

By contrast, Lindian’s concentrate is not expected to require Class 7 dangerous goods controls under SSR-6, preserving carrier flexibility and simplifying export logistics.

The company said the ultra-low radionuclide profile also supports a lower downstream cost structure, reducing the need for dedicated radionuclide removal circuits, residue containment infrastructure and compliance overheads. This translates into simpler flowsheet design, lower reagent consumption and reduced capital intensity.

The latest radiological assessment builds on earlier ANSTO metallurgical work confirming that Kangankunde monazite cracks cleanly to produce a high-grade mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product with uranium and thorium below analytical detection limits and negligible Ac-227 activity at 97% neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) extraction.

Together, the results demonstrate what Lindian describes as a low-radiological pathway from concentrate through to final product.

Long-term stockpiling flexibility

ANSTO’s findings also support long-term storage flexibility. Because uranium and thorium hosted in monazite have extremely long half-lives, the intrinsic radioactivity of the concentrate remains stable over time.

Lindian said this enables practical stockpiling for more than 20 years under standard industrial storage conditions, subject to periodic packaging maintenance and monitoring.

That flexibility may align with emerging sovereign critical minerals stockpiling initiatives aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience.

While the concentrate is exempt from radioactive transport classification, Lindian said handling and workplace activities will remain subject to applicable radiation protection standards and good industry practice.

Kangankunde is the cornerstone asset in Lindian’s portfolio of rare earth and bauxite projects across Malawi and Guinea. The company has already announced a final investment decision for Stage 1 development and secured funding following a strategic partnership and institutional placement, with early construction works under way. 

With independent validation now confirming a simplified radiological and logistics profile, Lindian is positioning Kangankunde as a lower-complexity rare earth development at a time when supply chain scrutiny remains high across the global critical minerals sector.