Lindian moves Kangankunde into execution phase with key plant orders Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock
Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has moved the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi deeper into execution mode, placing orders for key long-lead processing equipment while ramping up parallel construction workfronts across earthworks, infrastructure and site readiness.
The company has placed procurement orders for critical processing packages, including the SAG mill, thickener and flocculation plant, shaking tables and belt filters, in a move designed to improve schedule certainty as construction activity accelerates.
Lindian identified the SAG mill as the principal long-lead item on the project’s critical path, with an estimated delivery timeframe of about 22 weeks. The thickener and flocculation plant package is expected within roughly 14 weeks, while shaking tables and belt filters carry delivery windows of around 20 weeks, inclusive of manufacture, testing and transport.
“Seeing more than 550 people on site working across multiple workfronts safely, and achieving 200,000 LTI-free hours, is a strong reflection of the culture and discipline we’re building at Kangankunde,” Lindian Resources executive director Zac Komur said. “This project is now firmly in execution mode, enabling earthworks are well advanced, key infrastructure is progressing, and we have placed orders for the critical long-lead plant packages to lock in delivery timing and protect the schedule. The project is aligning to the master schedule, with process plant construction and mine stripping commencing in February, first blast in April, grid power energisation in July, and targeting first ore feed and first concentrate in November 2026. Our focus is straightforward: do the work safely, control the critical path, and deliver a high-quality rare earth project with pace and certainty.”
Aerial view of the site administration precinct under construction, including the admin building and site medical clinic, supporting operational readiness as site activity ramps up.
On-site activity continues to ramp up, with more than 550 personnel now working across multiple workfronts as bulk earthworks, access roads and trafficable platform preparation progress toward the main construction phase.
Lindian is deploying its owner-operator Komatsu fleet to maintain momentum and limit reliance on third-party contractors, with the same equipment supporting haul road development, platform formation and Tailings Storage Facility earthworks as part of a lower-capital execution strategy.
Komatsu HM400 articulated dump trucks hauling fill as earthworks progress across the Kangankunde site, supporting preparation of construction platforms and access routes.
Supporting workforce mobilisation, construction of the 90-person Tipume accommodation camp is advancing and expected to be available in late February. Administration buildings, a site medical clinic and security facilities are also nearing completion.
As site activity increases, Lindian reported achieving 200,000 lost-time-injury-free work hours, marking a key safety milestone during the project’s transition into full execution.
The company reaffirmed its master schedule, with near-term and major milestones now guiding the critical path. These include process plant construction and mine stripping in February 2026, first blast in April 2026, grid power energisation in July 2026, and first ore feed and first concentrate targeted for November 2026.
Looking ahead to March, Lindian expects a step-change into full construction execution, including completion of early civil site establishment, commencement of process plant construction, and mobilisation for structural, mechanical, plateworks and piping scopes.
Other March milestones include completion and delivery of the workshop package, mobilisation of key construction support equipment, commencement of perimeter fencing, and completion of the explosives magazine package ahead of full drill-and-blast operations.
Upcoming March 2026 milestones
Processing plant and site establishment
Civil site establishment for early civils works completes to enable the main construction ramp-up.
Process plant construction starts a major step-change from early works into execution.
Site establishment starts for structural/mechanical/plateworks/piping scope.
Procurement and construction support
Procurement / ordering / receiving materials completes for the workshop package workstream
Construction support equipment telehandlers, HIAB truck, 55t crane scheduled to commence on site supports construction productivity.
Site infrastructure and security
Site wide perimeter fence construction commences
Explosive magazine package reaches project complete milestone critical path precursor to full drill- and-blast operations.
Camp and admin facilities finishing works
Multiple buildings move through finishes in March brick/blockwork wrapping early March, then ceilings, plaster, tiling, plumbing, painting through to end-March
