Lindian's Kangankunde Rare Earths Project Nears December First Output

what happened

Australia-based Lindian Resources Limited reports that its Kangankunde rare earths site in Malawi is moving closer to commissioning, with first monazite concentrate still targeted for December 2026. Ore piles at the site have reached about 149,000 tonnes, roughly 24,000 tonnes or 19% more than in September. The company says this tonnage is derived from its existing Ore Reserve estimates.

Power infrastructure has reached a key stage: a 33kV overhead line now runs to the transformer yard, and both 1,250 kVA plant transformers are back on site after passing factory tests. Energisation of the site is planned for early November. In the processing area, structural steel for the WHIMS and MGS units is about 90% finished, the shaking tables are roughly 80% done, and the regrind mill is installed. Operating staff are on board, operator training has started, and contracts for concentrate shipments are close to completion.

Executive Director Zac Komur said: "Kangankunde is in the final stretch of construction. Our target is clear: first monazite concentrate in December."

why it matters

For the rare earths market, the project's progress toward first output matters because new monazite supply from outside China could widen a sector where production is concentrated among a few producers. The main risk is schedule slippage during commissioning, so the company's future updates on energisation and first shipments will be worth tracking.

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