Lindian Starts Malawi REE Project Construction

Lindian Resources

Kangankunde Rare Earth Project Breaks Ground in Malawi

Lindian Resources, an Australian mining exploration company, has officially launched site construction at its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi. The company initiated civil and infrastructure works, building on the 5km access road project started in February 2025.

Located 90km north of Blantyre, the Kangankunde site features high-grade rare earth mineralization, primarily monazite-based ore. The project boasts 23.7 million metric tonnes of ore at an average grade of 2.9% total rare earth oxide (TREO).

Offtake Agreement and Timeline Support Fast Development

In December 2024, Lindian secured a $50 million offtake and non-bidding funding package with US-based Gerald Group for Stage 1. The agreement accelerates the timeline for construction, reducing financial risk and improving project visibility for 2026 production.

The Kangankunde project is fully permitted and has a planned production capacity of 15,323 tonnes of REO concentrate per year. Lindian is targeting first output by Q1 2026, with operating expenditure estimated at just $2.92/kg REO FOB, making it one of the most competitive globally.

Cost Competitiveness Positions Kangankunde as Global Contender

Kangankunde’s low-cost structure and strong funding support enhance its global positioning in the critical rare earths market. As demand rises for REEs in EVs, wind turbines, and electronics, Kangankunde’s strategic value continues to grow.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Lindian’s Kangankunde launch is timely, as nations race to diversify rare earth supply chains beyond China. Its low-cost model and US offtake support signal Malawi’s emergence as a new frontier in critical mineral development.