Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has appointed Zekai (Zac) Komur as executive director to lead project delivery at the flagship Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi. Komur transitions from a non-executive director role and brings over 25 years of global mining and processing experience across multiple commodities and jurisdictions.
His appointment follows key milestones including the Stage 1 Final Investment Decision, a US$20 million (~A$32 million) offtake and funding agreement with Iluka Resources, and a A$91.5 million institutional placement. With Stage 1 fully funded, non-process infrastructure is advancing, and first concentrate production is targeted for late 2026.
The Stage 2 Expansion Study is due by December 2025. Discussions are underway with multiple parties for downstream processing partnerships, while ANSTO testwork is informing these evaluations. Komur will oversee project scheduling, budget, execution readiness, and long-term value generation through downstream integration.
Global delivery expertise
Komur’s career spans BHP, INPEX, Fortescue and Northvolt, where he has led project delivery across iron ore, nickel, cobalt, LNG, lithium and rare earths. At Fortescue, he managed joint-venture negotiations and commercial strategy. At Northvolt, he delivered a cathode active material plant through to commissioning. At INPEX, he led start-up of the US$37 billion Ichthys facility ahead of schedule.
His experience covers financing, permitting, cross-border negotiations and managing multicultural teams in remote locations.
Komur’s technical strengths lie in process control, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy and plant optimisation. His commercial acumen and track record in delivering complex, high-capital projects position him to guide Kangankunde from construction into production and through to downstream value creation.
“We are delighted with the appointment of Zac Komur as executive director leading both Stage 1 and Stage 2 expansion for our Tier 1 Kangankunde Rare Earths Project,” Lindian executive chairman Robert Martin said.
“Zac brings deep project delivery experience with over 25 years’ experience, having executed on landmark projects globally including greenfield and brownfield capacity expansion projects for BHP, Fortescue and INPEX. Zac is a highly qualified chemical engineer with expertise in both upstream mining and downstream processing. Zac is a proven mining executive with a strong track record in senior leadership roles and is a welcome addition to Lindian’s core executive team.”
Kangankunde early works on schedule
Early works at Kangankunde are almost finished, ahead of schedule and within budget. Processing zones, run-of-mine pads, internal roads, and security infrastructure are largely finalised. Contractor laydown, solar-powered borefields, and storage areas are now fully established. Water access and site readiness are progressing, alongside safety audits, communication upgrades, and main road access protocols.
Tendering has begun for Stage 2 non-processing infrastructure, including power lines, power contracts and service agreements. Contract awards are expected imminently to support the transition to full construction once design-and-construct contracts are finalised. The Optimised Feasibility Study remains on track, with proposals due in October and the project schedule being refined around long-lead equipment.
Community engagement underpinning project delivery
Community engagement continues with Lindian’s community liaison officer, Rebecca Hami, actively meeting local leaders, the District Commissioner and village representatives. Discussions focus on safety, access and alignment with project timelines during the Stage 1 construction phase. These efforts are de-risking early site activities and ensuring transparent communication with stakeholders throughout the region.
About Lindian
Lindian Resources is developing two key critical minerals assets: the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi and bauxite projects in Guinea and Tanzania.
Kangankunde is globally recognised for its low-cost, high-grade monazite concentrate (55% total rare earth oxides), with no deleterious elements. It is viable at current spot and forecast prices for neodymium and praseodymium.
All key licences are secured and construction activities have commenced following a long-term offtake and funding partnership with Iluka and a successful A$91.5 million placement. Lindian seeks to become a globally significant critical minerals producer, leveraging its existing asset base and emerging downstream strategies.