Lindian Resources Limited, owner of Kangankunde Rare Earth project in Balaka, says early works and site establishment have been completed as mining equipment jets in ahead of production commencement end this year.
In its update titled ‘Kangankunde construction momentum builds’, the firm said following the completion of the early works, mobilisation of mining fleet in line with its owner-operator model has started this month.
This development comes three months after the rare earth miner expressed optimism that it will produce its first concentrate in late 2026 as plant construction commencement remains within schedule.
Reads part of the update: “Deliveries of the Komatsu mining fleet commenced in January, with equipment transported to site from South Africa.
“The fleet forms a core component of Lindian’s owner-operator mining model and will support initial mining activities and ongoing operations at Kangankunde.”
The fleet includes a Komatsu D155AX dozer, PC300 excavator, PC600 excavator, WA380 wheel loader, WA480 wheel loader, GD675 grader, five HM400 articulated dump trucks and a Sandvik Pantera DP1510i T3 top-hammer drill rig, with final deliveries expected by March 2026.
It stressed that the mobilisation of the mining fleet strengthens operational readiness ahead of first production and supports greater control over safety, costs and operating performance through owner-operator mining.
The owner-operator model in mining ensures that the miner carry-out extraction works itself without subcontracting to construction contractors and it is becoming common considering its long-term cost cutting nature.
Meanwhile, Lindian Resources executive director Zac Komur said the pace on site continues to build across all work fronts, with solid progress across civil preparation, power, camp facilities and key support infrastructure.
He said: “The first Komatsu fleet deliveries are an important step in establishing our owner-operator mining capability, with commissioning and operator training progressing in parallel to support operational readiness.
“In parallel, we are advancing the critical enablers, including workshops, fuel infrastructure, perimeter security and explosives facilities, to strengthen operating readiness and reduce execution risk.”
Kangankunde targets to produce its first concentrate in later this yearas plant construction commencement remains within schedule.
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.
In an interview, 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.
The completed early site works at Kangankunde mine include processing areas, run-of-mine pads (temporary storage facilities for unprocessed ore), internal roads, security buildings and the solar farm and storage areas.
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 Report 2025.
