Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) says construction activity at its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi is accelerating, with the first deliveries of its owner-operator mining fleet now on site as the project transitions from early works into sustained construction and mining readiness.
The company said initial units from its Komatsu fleet have arrived from South Africa and are being inspected, assembled and commissioned, with operator training progressing in parallel. Remaining fleet deliveries are scheduled through the March quarter, supporting Lindian’s strategy to self-operate mining and retain tighter control over safety, costs and execution.
Komatsu mining equipment arriving on site at Kangankunde.
With early works and site establishment complete, construction is now advancing across multiple fronts, including civil preparation, power, camp facilities and key support infrastructure.
Executive director Zac Komur said the pace of activity continues to build as Kangankunde moves closer to production.
“The first Komatsu fleet deliveries are an important step in establishing our owner-operator mining capability, with commissioning and operator training progressing in parallel to support operational readiness,” Komur said.
“Our focus is speed with discipline, tight cost control and consistent execution across all interfaces as we progress the project toward production.”
Owner-operator fleet strengthens mining readiness
The Komatsu fleet forms a core part of Lindian’s owner-operator mining model and will support both early works and initial mining activities. Equipment delivered and in mobilisation includes a D155AX dozer, PC300 and PC600 excavators, WA380 and WA480 wheel loaders, a GD675 grader, five HM400 articulated dump trucks and a Sandvik Pantera DP1510i top hammer drill rig.
Ahead of first mining, the fleet will also be deployed on early works such as tailings storage facility construction, which the company expects will reduce contractor reliance and overall site costs.
Processing plant civil works gearing up
Processing plant development is also progressing, with Lindian’s design-and-construct partner Obsideo Consulting advancing detailed engineering, construction planning and site integration.
Preparation across the stockpile area and plant footprint is about 95% complete, with topsoil stripping under way ahead of layering and compaction works targeted for completion by the end of February 2026. Lindian said this scope is tracking ahead of schedule.
Obsideo is expected to mobilise to site in February to commence civil works by area, with multiple work fronts planned to run in parallel to fast-track delivery of the processing plant.
Infrastructure build-out gathers pace
Construction of the mobile workshop facility is advancing in line with schedule, with foundation preparation and bulk earthworks set to commence this week. Off-site structural fabrication is under way, and major materials are due for delivery mid-January.
Cleared mobile workshop facility area, with the site prepared for commencement of bulk earthworks and foundation works and the 3D rendered image of the finished facility.
Progress is also being made on the main administration building, where foundation works are complete and above-ground construction is now commencing. Once finished, the facility will house management, technical, HSE, IT, medical and logistics functions and operate as the project’s central operations hub during construction and production.
Progress of works at the main administration building, including completed foundation activities, perimeter fencing installation, early landscaping and ongoing civil works supporting advancement toward operational readiness.
Key enabling infrastructure is continuing to roll out, including perimeter fencing, a fuel farm featuring two 40,000-litre bulk storage tanks, and explosives magazine works following regulatory approval from Malawi’s Chief Inspector of Explosives in December.
Camp construction at the Tipume workers’ accommodation facility is also advancing, with VIP units under construction and mess hall and accommodation buildings tracking toward full operational readiness by the end of February.
Progress at the site camp facilities, showing completed foundation excavations, construction of VIP accommodation units, and advancement of Mess Hall, BQ accommodation and entrance earthworks supporting upcoming project mobilisation.
Safety milestone and power delivery
Lindian said it has now surpassed 100,000 work hours lost-time-injury-free, reflecting what it described as strong safety standards as on-site activity ramps up.
Power delivery is progressing in parallel, with procurement ongoing and installation of overhead power line poles under way in coordination with state utility ESCOM, supporting timely energisation across the project.
Kangankunde is the cornerstone of Lindian’s asset portfolio and is fully funded following a $91.5 million institutional placement and a long-term strategic partnership with Iluka Resources, with the company having taken a final investment decision for Stage 1 late last year.
Read more: Lindian lifts Kangankunde economics after process plant optimisation, awards D&C contract