Lindian Resources Limited, a firm that owns Kangankunde Rare Earth Project in Balaka District, is optimistic that it will produce its first concentrate in late 2026 as plant construction commencement remains within schedule.
The company outlined the plan in an update at a time construction of non-processing infrastructure, including access roads, site support infrastructure development and metallurgical drilling, among others, take shape on the project site.
This optimism also follows the strategic partnership it entered with Iluka Resources of Australia for $20 million (K35 billion) stage one funding and a binding off-take agreement, which prompted the company to make a final investment decision.
Reads the update in part: “Stage one is fully funded, with non-process infrastructure underway.
“Mining and plant construction are targeted to commence in early 2026, with first concentrate expected in late 2026.”
Lindian Resources Limited chairperson Robert Martin is quoted in the update as having said the company has since appointed Zekai Komur, who was one of the directors as executive director, to lead the project delivery, coordinate stage two studies through to execution readiness and manage the transition into implementation.
Last month, Lindian Resources also secured approval for 91.5 million Australian dollar (about K102.7 billion) final investment, paving the way for the completion of the Kangankunde Rare Earth Mine construction.
The placement proceeds will be applied to increase ownership of Kangankunde to 100 percent, complete engineering works for stage two expansion along with a phased infrastructure rollout.
In an interview on Tuesday, geologist and mining consultant Grain Malunga said the firm’s progress is in line with the Chamber of Mines and Energy’s projection.
“The project has proven successful from the past decade or so and having reached advanced stages of funding solutions and development, it is pleasing that they will soon start generating foreign exchange for the country,” he said.
In terms of site works progress, the initial early works programme is nearing completion, with processing areas, run-of-mine pads (temporary storage facilities for unprocessed ore), internal roads and security buildings completed while the solar farm and storage areas now fully established.
When operational, Kangankunde Mine is projected to generate $114 million (about K200 billion) per year over a 40-year period, according to a feasibility study report the company released this year, while output is also estimated to increase from the initial 15 000 metric tonnes (MT) to 50 000MT annually.
From the operations, the Malawi Government will earn $5.56 million (about K9.7 billion) in royalties on top of income tax and other taxes from the rare earth minerals.
Last year, mining contributed less than one percent to the gross domestic product, according the Malawi Government Annual Economic Repor 2025.
