Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has appointed engineering consultancy DRA Pacific to complete the Phase 2 Expansion Study for its flagship Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi, marking another key step in advancing one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earths deposits.
Study to set expansion pathway
The Phase 2 study will provide strategic direction for the next stage of development at Kangankunde, building on Stage 1 where construction is already under way following a final investment decision earlier this year.
DRA will evaluate production rates between 50,000 and 100,000 tonnes per annum of concentrate, reflecting growing interest in offtake from global markets. The scope also includes flowsheet options — with metallurgical test work currently being undertaken at ANSTO — staged development through modularisation, and assessment of infrastructure needs and constraints.
Lindian said Stage 2 planning will run in parallel with Stage 1 construction to ensure efficiencies are captured across both phases.
Executive director Zac Komur said the appointment provides the technical depth to scale with confidence.
“Stage 1 is in delivery following our approval of the final investment decision with first production targeted in 2026. With approvals already in place for the Stage 2 expansion, appointing DRA to complete the study gives us the detail to scale with confidence,” Komur said.
“Demand for our monazite concentrate is strong, so our focus is speed to market and reliable execution,” he added. “Our goal at Lindian is to secure and grow meaningful market share, and DRA’s rare earths credentials and track record across Africa, including Malawi, make them the right partner to map the next phase at Kangankunde.”
Experienced partner
DRA brings decades of experience in rare earths processing and delivery, having worked with Lynas Rare Earths at Mt Weld in WA, Hastings and Wyloo at the Yangibana project, and the Songwe Hill project in Malawi. Its expertise in flotation, gravity separation and magnetic separation is directly relevant to Kangankunde’s proposed processing flowsheet.
The consultancy also has substantial experience operating across Africa, which Lindian said would be critical for on-the-ground execution.
Building momentum
The latest step adds to a string of recent developments at Lindian. In August, the company secured A$91.5 million through an institutional placement to fully fund Stage 1 construction, while earlier this month it announced new leadership appointments to guide Kangankunde through its development phase.
Read more: Lindian strengthens executive leadership as Kangankunde progresses towards delivery
Lindian plans to produce a premium monazite concentrate grading 55% total rare earth oxides with no deleterious elements. With costs expected to sit in the lowest global quartile, Kangankunde has been flagged as financially viable at both forecast and current spot prices for key elements neodymium and praseodymium.
With first production targeted for 2026 and expansion studies now underway, Lindian is positioning Kangankunde to emerge as a globally significant supplier of critical minerals.