Lindian Resources expands operational bench as Kangankunde rare earths project advances Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has strengthened its executive and operational leadership team with seven new appointments across legal, sustainability, supply chain, health and safety, technology, finance and investor relations as the company pushes towards first production at its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi.

The appointments come as Lindian transitions from project developer to future producer, with construction at Kangankunde well advanced and first production from both the Malawi upstream operation and the company’s planned SARECO hydrometallurgical facility in Kazakhstan targeted for Q4 2026.

The company said four of the new hires have already commenced, with the remaining appointees due to join during May, including incoming general counsel and company secretary Anastasia Gotjamanos, who starts on May 25.

Executive chairman Robert Martin said the expanded team reflected the scale and complexity of Lindian’s next phase of growth.

“These appointments mark our continued transition from developer to producer,” he said. “We have deliberately assembled a team with the operational depth and experience to deliver — people who have built and run mines, managed billion-dollar supply chains, navigated multi-jurisdictional legal environments and embedded world-class safety cultures at some of the largest resource companies in Australia and globally.

“With construction well advanced at Kangankunde, first production on track for Q4 2026 and our SARECO MREC facility initiatives progressing ahead of schedule, having the right team on the ground is critical.”

Mining and legal experience added

Leading the appointments is Gotjamanos, who joins from Westgold Resources Ltd, where she served as chief legal officer from 2023 to 2026. Her background also includes more than five years as group general counsel at the Byrnecut Group, overseeing legal matters across underground mining operations in Australia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Lindian said her appointment would strengthen governance, regulatory compliance and commercial oversight as the company advances multi-jurisdictional operations across Malawi and Kazakhstan.

The company has also appointed Geoffrey Taylor as HSE manager, bringing experience from senior safety leadership roles at BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue.

Taylor most recently worked with a Moroccan mining company on fatality prevention and behavioural safety programs and will oversee HSE systems across construction and future operations at Kangankunde.

Meanwhile, Ben Ludik joins as supply manager after senior procurement and logistics roles spanning Gold Fields, Accenture and Capital Drilling & Mining Services. Lindian said his experience managing large-scale procurement across multiple jurisdictions would support the build-out of integrated supply chains for both Malawi and Kazakhstan.

ESG, technology and investor focus

The company has also strengthened its sustainability and technology capabilities as it prepares for future production and strategic partner engagement.

David O’Coileain joins as ESG and sustainability manager from Woodside Energy, where he worked on sustainability and social performance initiatives tied to international investments. His previous roles also include positions with Minderoo Foundation and Lendlease.

Lindian said O’Coileain would help oversee ESG compliance, sustainability reporting and alignment with international frameworks including Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards.

Cristiano Soares has been appointed IT/OT manager, bringing operational technology and network infrastructure experience from BHP and Mineral Resources. He will oversee communications systems, cybersecurity and operational technology infrastructure across Lindian’s operations.

The company also added finance and investor relations capability with the appointments of senior accountant Jasmine Wang, formerly of Lotus Resources, and investor relations coordinator Ashley Tjioe, who joins from GT Communications.

Kangankunde build gathers momentum

The appointments follow a period of rapid development for Lindian as it advances Kangankunde towards production.

Recent updates have highlighted ongoing construction activity and the company’s long-term strategic partnership with Iluka Resources, alongside a series of capital raisings that have left Lindian fully funded for Stage 1 development.

Kangankunde is regarded as one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earths deposits and is expected to produce a high-grade monazite concentrate with low forecast operating costs.

In parallel with Stage 1 construction, Lindian is also progressing a Stage 2 definitive feasibility study aimed at expanding production capacity and strengthening its position within global rare earth supply chains.