ASX-listed Lindian Resources has secured what it describes as a structural advantage for its Kangankunde rare earth project in Malawi, after Australia’s national nuclear agency confirmed that its monazite concentrate is exempt from radioactive transport classification under international rules.

The company reported on Thursday that the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) had completed an independent radiological assessment of representative Kangankunde monazite concentrate samples and determined that the material would not be classified as radioactive for transport under the International Atomic Energy Agency’s SSR-6 framework governing the safe transport of radioactive material.

This means shipments of Kangankunde concentrate will not be subject to Class 7 dangerous goods requirements, which typically impose additional packaging, documentation, carrier restrictions and regulatory oversight on materials deemed radioactive.

For rare earth developers, that distinction was significant, Lindian said, explaining that many monazite-based rare earth projects contained elevated uranium and thorium levels that triggered radioactive transport classification, often forcing companies either to manage complex Class 7 shipping regimes or to undertake early-stage downstream processing to strip out radionuclides before export. Both options could add cost, time and technical complexity.

By contrast, Lindian’s concentrate has been confirmed as exempt under SSR-6, preserving carrier flexibility and simplifying the export pathway. In practical terms, this could reduce logistics friction, broaden shipping options and support a more scalable commercial model as the project advances toward production.

Executive director Zac Komur said the independent validation materially derisked the company’s route to market.

"Unlike many rare earth projects that must manage Class 7 shipping constraints or undertake early downstream processing to remove and manage uranium and thorium, Kangankunde supports a simpler, lower-risk export model. Importantly, the ultra-low radionuclide profile also translates into a lower-cost downstream processing pathway.

"Reduced requirements for radionuclide removal circuits, residue handling infrastructure and compliance overheads support a simpler flowsheet and a structurally lower capital and operating cost profile. This positions Kangankunde as a premium, low-complexity rare earth project. The concentrate’s stable radiological profile and long-term stockpiling capability also align well with emerging sovereign critical minerals stockpile initiatives aimed at strengthening supply chain security, providing additional strategic optionality as we advance toward first production," said Komur.