ASX-listed Lindian Resources is progressing on-site construction activities at the Kangankunde rare earths project, in Malawi, including the start of the mobilisation of the Komatsu owner-operator mining fleet.

With early works and site establishment now complete, construction activity is progressing across multiple work fronts.

Initial fleet units have arrived on site and are being inspected and commissioned to support Lindian’s owner-operator mining approach and the transition into sustained construction and mining readiness.

The mobilisation of the mining fleet strengthens operational readiness ahead of first production and supports greater control over safety, costs and operating performance through owner-operated mining, Lindian points out.

The first Komatsu owner-operator fleet deliveries have started on site, establishing core mining capability and progressing the project toward mining readiness. The remaining fleet deliveries are scheduled throughout the first quarter of this year, with inspection, assembly, commissioning and operator training under way in parallel.

Processing plant development is advancing with the design and construct partner Obsideo progressing detailed engineering, construction planning and site integration following completion of early works and site establishment.

Long lead time items have been ordered and remain on schedule for delivery throughout this year.

Stockpile and plant footprint preparation is about 95% complete, with topsoil stripping in progress ahead of layering and compaction works targeted for completion by end-February, tracking ahead of schedule.

Enabling infrastructure is progressing, to support safe, efficient execution, including the mobile workshop facility, fuel farm, explosives magazine works, perimeter fencing and the main administration building.

Lindian highlights that 100 000 lost-time injury-free work hours have been surpassed.

Power delivery is progressing, with procurement ongoing and installation of overhead power line poles underway to support timely energisation and integration across the project.

Camp construction is advancing, supporting accommodation for execution teams and ongoing rampup of site activity.

The owner-operator strategy is indicated to be translating into improved execution control and schedule confidence as the project transitions from early works into sustained construction and mining readiness.

“The pace on site at Kangankunde continues to build across all work fronts, with solid progress across civil preparation, power, camp facilities and key support infrastructure. 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.

“In parallel, we are advancing the critical enablers, including workshops, fuel infrastructure, perimeter security and explosives facilities, to strengthen operating readiness and reduce execution risk,” says executive director Zac Komur.