Lindian fires first blast at Kangankunde as rare earths mining begins Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has completed the first production blast at its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi, marking the start of active mining and a major step in its transition from developer to rare earth producer.

The maiden blast was drilled, charged and fired across 206 blast holes, fragmenting about 13,100 tonnes of material, including an estimated 5,500 tonnes of ore.

Members of the Lindian team with Director George Mwasinga from the Ministry of Labour at the First Blast event. 

Mining underway

Mining has now begun using Lindian’s owner-operator Komatsu fleet, with ore haulage already underway and run-of-mine stockpiles being established ahead of process plant commissioning.

The company's building ore stockpiles before commissioning was expected to support a smoother plant start-up and reduce ramp-up risk as Kangankunde moves toward first production, which remains on schedule for the fourth quarter of 2026.

Lindian executive director Zac Komur said the first blast was a “defining execution milestone” and marked the formal start of active mining operations. He said ore had already been delivered to the ROM stockpile ahead of plant commissioning later this year.

De-risking the development pathway

The blast followed completion of Lindian’s drill and blast readiness program, which included regulatory approvals, commissioning of the explosives magazine, blast design verification and implementation of the approved blast management plan.

Excavation and haulage began immediately after the blast, with ore transported via the newly completed haul road to establish the project’s initial ROM stockpile.

Starting mining before practical completion formed an important part of Lindian's development strategy, ensuring the plant has ore available from day one and supporting a more efficient transition into commercial production.

Government backing

The first blast event was attended by senior representatives from Malawi’s Ministry of Mining, Ministry of Labour, Malawi Environmental Protection Agency, Malawi Mining and Regulatory Authority and Balaka District Council, along with chiefs, community leaders and local stakeholders.

Executive chairman Robert Martin also held high-level meetings in Malawi with Mining Minister Thoko Tembo and other senior officials, with discussions focused on maintaining development momentum and maximising long-term economic, employment and downstream value opportunities for the country.

What's ahead

Kangankunde has now entered the final development phase ahead of commissioning.

Construction continues across major work fronts, with front-end commissioning targeted for October 2026, practical completion targeted for mid-November 2026 and first production still expected in Q4 2026.

The project remains fully funded and on schedule, with more than 858,711 lost-time injury-free work hours recorded across the development.