Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has launched an initial drilling program at the high-grade North Knoll prospect, a near-mine target about 800 metres north of the Central Carbonatite Inferred Mineral Resource at its flagship Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi.
The campaign aims to test the depth and continuity of previously mapped ferroan dolomite carbonatite lenses that returned high-grade neodymium–praseodymium (NdPr) values at surface — results the company believes could materially enhance the first years of production under the Stage 1 mine plan.
Executive director Zac Komur said the program has the potential to reshape the early mining schedule.
“Drilling at North Knoll looks to bring high grade, NdPr-rich mineralisation into the first five years of the Kangankunde mine plan,” Komur said. “If we confirm continuity at depth, North Knoll has the potential to provide additional high-grade starter feed, lower unit mining costs and lift early-stage production. It’s a logical near-mine growth step that can enhance both the value and resilience of Stage 1 production planning.”
North Knoll Regional Geology plan showing the planned drilling and rock chip sample locations.
High-grade target immediately north of a 261-million-tonne resource
Kangankunde is regarded as one of the world’s premier rare earths deposits, hosting an Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource of 261 million tonnes at 2.14% total rare earth oxide (TREO), with NdPr representing 20.3% of contained rare earths.
North Knoll sits outside the current resource footprint but within trucking distance of the proposed processing plant and Stage 1 mine infrastructure. Lindian sees it as a logical expansion target that could provide higher-grade flexibility if continuity is proven.
Earlier reconnaissance work identified multiple outcropping carbonatite lenses, mapped over strike lengths of up to 300 metres and dipping 45–70° to the southwest. These bodies contained visible green monazite — the same dominant mineral seen within the Central Carbonatite.
Eight previously reported carbonatite rock chips graded between 2.07% and 7.15% TREO, with NdPr/TREO ratios ranging from 19.2% to 28.8% (averaging 21%). Key samples included:
- 7.15% TREO (19.8% NdPr/TREO)
- 5.15% TREO (19.6% NdPr/TREO)
- 4.69% TREO (19.2% NdPr/TREO)
The consistently high NdPr proportions are in line with Lindian’s broader goal to expedite high-value magnet rare earth production in the early operating years.
Nine-hole program underway
Drilling crews have now mobilised to North Knoll, with the first hole already in progress. The initial program comprises nine diamond core holes for approximately 650 metres, strategically oriented to intersect the mapped lenses perpendicular to their dip.
First drill hole underway at the high-grade North Knoll, Kangankunde Rare Earths Project, Malawi.
The work will focus on:
- confirming whether high-grade surface values persist at depth;
- defining the geometry, thickness and continuity of the mineralised lenses;
- assessing whether North Knoll warrants inclusion in future resource updates and mine scheduling studies.
Lindian expects drilling to be completed within three weeks, with assay results anticipated in Q2 2026, depending on export and laboratory turnaround times. The program is expected to generate regular near-term news flow.
If successful, North Knoll could complement the existing Central Carbonatite resource and expand the high-grade feed inventory available to Stage 1 — a project now fully funded following Lindian’s partnership with Iluka Resources and its recent A$91.5 million institutional placement.
Early construction works at Kangankunde are already under way, part of Lindian’s broader strategy to become a significant global producer of premium monazite concentrate grading 55% TREO with ultra-low deleterious elements.
The company also continues to advance its bauxite assets in Guinea and Tanzania.
Lindian project and office locations.