Lindian Resources advances Kangankunde construction with first production in sight for Q4 2026 Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has reported steady progress across construction, infrastructure and mining activities at its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi, with the project on track for first production in Q4 2026. 

Construction is advancing across all major work fronts, while commissioning remains targeted for October 2026 and practical completion expected in mid-November.

"Kangankunde continues to demonstrate strong execution momentum, with construction progressing across all major work fronts and the project remaining on schedule for first production in 2026," Lindian Resources executive director Zac Komur said.

"The commencement of process plant civil works, continued progress on the haul road and ROM pad, and the advancement of the electrical programme are important milestones as we move closer to commissioning. The team remains focused on safe delivery, disciplined execution and ensuring the project is operationally ready ahead of commissioning."

First production timeline and funding locked in

Kangankunde remains fully funded through to first production following a A$100 million institutional placement, with no reliance on external debt. 

Stage 1 is designed for 20,000 tonnes per annum of rare earths concentrate, with approximately 10,000 tonnes expected during the first half-year of operations.

Mining is set to begin ahead of plant completion, with first ore scheduled for delivery to the run-of-mine (ROM) pad in June 2026. This early start is designed to build stockpiles and support a smoother ramp-up once processing begins. 

Construction and infrastructure gathering momentum

Construction activities have accelerated across process and non-process infrastructure, with key milestones already achieved.

Process plant civil works are now underway, including shaking table base pours, product shed preparation and SAG mill excavation. Tailings storage facility (TSF) clearing is nearing completion at about 98%, with topsoil removal progressing. 

Topsoil removal at TSF.

The electrical programme is also advancing, with the 23km 33kV overhead line on schedule and final commissioning targeted for late September 2026, supporting plant commissioning the following month.

On the ground, accommodation, administration and medical facilities are operational, supporting workforce expansion as construction ramps up. Additional infrastructure including workshops, fuel storage and perimeter fencing is scheduled for completion through mid to late 2026. 

Aerial view of the fully operational administration office and medical clinic.

Mining development supports early-stage readiness

Mining-related works are progressing in parallel with construction, positioning the project for a transition into operations.

Haul road development is advancing, with the first blast planned for late June 2026. ROM pad and skyway construction is also progressing, enabling initial ore delivery and stockpiling ahead of commissioning. 

The strategy to start mining ahead of plant completion is aimed at reducing ramp-up risk and ensuring consistent feed once processing begins.

Operational readiness and procurement progress

Lindian has started its operational readiness program, covering systems, workforce and processes to support the shift from construction to production.

Key long-lead equipment has been procured, with fabrication, delivery and mobilisation progressing in line with the project schedule. 

At the same time, regulatory milestones have been secured, including water access and waste management approvals, removing key development dependencies.

Next steps toward commissioning

Looking ahead, near-term milestones include:

• First ore to ROM pad in June 2026
• First blast and expanded mining activity in late June
• Completion of key infrastructure including fuel farm and workshops by Q3 2026
• Electrical infrastructure commissioning by September 2026
• Front-end commissioning in October 2026

With construction, mining and infrastructure development advancing in parallel, Kangankunde is moving toward a fully integrated operation ahead of its targeted first production in Q4 2026.