Independent ANSTO test work on Kangankunde’s Malawi monazite concentrate shows high recoveries, up to 94% total REO and 97% NdPr, with fast dissolution and low acid consumption (1.2–1.4 tonnes acid per tonne concentrate).

ANSTO’s metallurgical tests on Kangankunde indicate end-to-end processing performance with up to 94% TREY and up to 97% NdPr recovery, plus initial acid use in the 1.2–1.4 tonnes per tonne range and ongoing optimisation.

Stage one construction at Kangankunde is underway, targeting a 55% TREO concentrate with among the lowest operating costs globally, supported by a A$100 million placement and a strategic tie-up with Iluka Resources.

Lindian Resources secures a long-term domestic supply of sulphuric acid for its Sareco mixed rare earths concentrate facility in Kazakhstan by partnering with the Stepnogorsk sulphuric acid plant (SSAP).

SSAP, state-backed and part of Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna, currently produces about 180,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid annually with plans to double output to 360,000 tonnes.

With a stable Kazakh acid supply secured and Kangankunde progressing, Lindian aims to strengthen downstream capabilities and position itself as a major downstream player in the critical minerals market.

Independent testing by ANSTO confirms high recoveries for the Kangankunde monazite concentrate, with fast dissolution and low sulphuric acid consumption, reinforcing project viability.

Analysts view the arrangement as a strategic move to de-risk processing, gain a cost advantage, and position Lindian for growth amid potential acid shortages.

Stage one focuses on producing a premium 55% total rare earth oxides concentrate at low operating costs, backed by the A$100 million placement and the Iluka strategic partnership.

Lindian holds additional bauxite assets in Guinea and Tanzania, diversifying its critical minerals portfolio.

Lindian secures an US$11.6 million (A$16.6 million) equipment finance and working capital facility from Malawi-based NBS Bank to support Kangankunde’s ramp-up and provide funding flexibility during construction.

Testwork supports a conventional, scalable processing pathway for producing high-grade mixed rare earth carbonate at SARECO, reinforcing project viability.