Lindian Resources Ltd has just kicked off downstream metallurgical testwork to assess processing options for its premium-grade monazite concentrate from the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi with partner the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).
Environmentally responsible supply chain
The company has trained its focus on developing a technically robust and environmentally responsible supply chain to meet the growing international demand for diversified, secure sources of critical minerals.
In partnership with ANSTO, Lindian will test both sulfuric acid bake and caustic cracking flowsheets to determine the optimal route for producing a mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product.
The results are expected to support Lindian’s ongoing discussions with potential offtake partners, refiners and strategic investors, with a formal Certificate of Analysis to be issued upon completion.
Kangankunde’s concentrate is recognised globally for its high total rare earth oxides (TREO) grade of 55%, absence of deleterious elements and ultra-low levels of uranium and thorium.
These features reduce environmental and permitting challenges, while enabling access to markets with strict radionuclide thresholds, particularly in Europe and North America.
Additionally, the concentrate’s low iron content significantly reduces acid consumption in traditional processing routes, resulting in a cleaner, lower-cost and more sustainable downstream profile.
Low impurities, high grade
The combination of high grade and low impurity content also makes the concentrate ideally suited for alternative caustic cracking methods – historically limited to purer ores.
The collaboration with ANSTO, a recognised centre of excellence in critical minerals processing, underscores Lindian’s strategy to capture more value from its rare earths supply chain.
The testwork is expected to accelerate product qualification, de-risk future development options and strengthen Lindian’s position in offtake and investment negotiations.
Lindian is targeting first production in 2026, positioning itself to deliver high-specification rare earth products at a time when global markets are responding to China's recently introduced export controls.