Kangankunde Project Hits 100,000 LTI-Free Hours as Komatsu Fleet Arrives
Lindian Resources reports strong construction progress at its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi, highlighted by the arrival of its Komatsu owner-operator mining fleet and advancing infrastructure works.
- Komatsu mining fleet mobilisation underway, supporting owner-operator model
- Processing plant and infrastructure development progressing ahead of schedule
- Over 100,000 work hours completed without lost time injury
- Key facilities including workshops, fuel farm, explosives magazine advancing
- Project fully funded following strategic partnership and institutional placement
Construction Momentum Builds at Kangankunde
Lindian Resources Limited (ASX, LIN) has provided a comprehensive update on the construction progress of its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi. The company is advancing multiple work fronts as it transitions from early site establishment to sustained construction and mining readiness. A key milestone is the mobilisation of the Komatsu owner-operator mining fleet, which has begun arriving on site and is currently undergoing inspection, assembly, commissioning, and operator training.
This fleet, comprising dozers, excavators, wheel loaders, graders, articulated dump trucks, and a top-hammer drill rig, forms the backbone of Lindian’s owner-operator mining strategy. This approach is designed to enhance operational control, safety, and cost efficiency, reducing reliance on contractors and supporting a smoother path to first production.
Advancing Infrastructure and Safety
Alongside fleet mobilisation, significant progress has been made on critical infrastructure. The processing plant development, led by Design and Construct partner Obsideo Consulting, is moving ahead with detailed engineering and construction planning. Site preparation for the stockpile and plant footprint is approximately 95% complete, with topsoil stripping and compaction works tracking ahead of schedule for completion by the end of February 2026.
Supporting facilities such as the mobile workshop, fuel farm, explosives magazine, perimeter fencing, and the main administration building are all under construction or in advanced planning stages. Notably, the explosives magazine has received regulatory approval, marking an important compliance milestone. The project has also surpassed 100,000 work hours without a lost time injury, underscoring a strong safety culture as on-site activity intensifies.
Operational Readiness and Future Outlook
Power infrastructure installation is progressing with overhead power line poles being erected to ensure timely energisation of the processing plant and associated facilities. Accommodation facilities for the workforce are also advancing, with VIP units and mess halls under construction to support the ramp-up of site activity.
Executive Director Zac Komur emphasised the company’s focus on disciplined execution, cost control, and safety as the project moves toward production. The owner-operator mining model is expected to provide Lindian with greater schedule confidence and operational flexibility.
Fully funded following a recent A$91.5 million institutional placement and a strategic partnership with Iluka Resources, Lindian is well positioned to continue accelerating Kangankunde’s development. The project remains one of the most promising rare earth deposits globally, with low operating costs and strong market interest.
Bottom Line?
With construction accelerating and key milestones achieved, Kangankunde is on track to become a major rare earths producer.
Questions in the middle?
- When is first production expected given current construction progress?
- How will the owner-operator mining model impact ongoing operating costs and efficiency?
- What risks remain around supply chain or geopolitical factors affecting project delivery?
