ASX-listed Lindian Resources has advised shareholders that all major non-process infrastructure (NPI) contracts for its Kangankunde rare earths project, in Malawi, have been awarded, with construction already under way across several work packages.

The company says the award of all NPI contracts represents a key execution milestone that materially strengthens project readiness ahead of targeted first production in late 2026, with all NPI scopes scheduled for completion before the processing plant commissioning window, and contractors now mobilised and integrated into the project execution plan.

Lindian notes that these contract awards have been completed within the capital parameters outlined in the feasibility study released in July 2024, reinforcing strong capital discipline and further reducing execution risk.

This milestone follows the completion of early works and the current mobilisation of the owner-operator mining fleet, supporting a smooth transition into full construction and operational readiness.

Together, Lindian says these developments increase schedule confidence and maintain the project’s strong momentum as Kangankunde progresses toward first production.

The company notes that the major NPI contracts that have been awarded cover the mining workshop; administration building; fuel farm and explosives magazine; power infrastructure; tailings storage facility; and site security.

Lindian says delivery milestones are scheduled through the third to fourth quarters of 2026, aligned with plant commissioning activities.

The company expresses that the milestone follows completion of early works and mobilisation of the owner-operator mining fleet, further derisking project execution.

“Awarding all NPI contracts is a major step forward in positioning Kangankunde for construction and commissioning. These packages provide the essential infrastructure required for mining, processing and site operations.

“The scopes have been tightly integrated into our schedule, and their award further strengthens our commitment to achieving first commercial production in 2026. With NPI now locked in, the project continues to build strong momentum as we move toward awarding the process plant design-and-construct contract,” says Lindian executive director Zac Komur.

POWER SUPPLY

Lindian notes that the contract for the development of the power line corridor has been awarded, with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi – Malawi’s national electricity utility – working closely with Lindian to execute the scope within design specifications.

The scope includes corridor clearing, excavations, foundation works, pole installation, line stringing, transformer installation and connection into Kangankunde’s electrical distribution network.

The project targets a 3 MW power supply for the initial phase and is aligned with the broader project execution plan. Lindian says solar and a back-up generator will support critical equipment and services.

Excavation and pole installation will begin on December 15.

OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE

Meanwhile, Lindian notes that the mobile workshop facility will provide full maintenance and servicing capability for the Komatsu owner-operator mining fleet and ancillary equipment, with closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed to support strong mechanical availability throughout operations.

Delivery of the mining fleet is scheduled to begin in December, with the final arrivals planned for mid-January 2026.

Equipment-readiness activities, including maintenance tooling and critical spares, are progressing in parallel. The company says earthworks for the facility are now 60% complete, with construction planned to begin on December 20.

The main administration building contract includes civil foundations, building construction, internal fit-out and installation of supporting services.

Once completed, the facility will house management, technical, health, safety and environment, IT, offices for site consultants, a fully equipped site clinic and logistics functions, and will serve as the central operations hub during construction and production.

Civil works are under way, with foundation works progressing well.

Additionally, the company notes that the explosives magazine scope covers construction of the bulk explosives storage facility, accessories storage, fencing, security CCTV systems and all works required to meet regulatory compliance.

The company says that establishing this facility early ensures safe storage and availability of blasting consumables to support mining.

The access road to the explosives magazine has been completed, and additional road construction is ongoing. Construction has begun on the modular units.

Lindian also reports that the 9 km perimeter fence will ensure secure access management and safety across the Kangankunde site as construction activity scales.

Procurement has been initiated, and material lead times are being tracked.

The company says installation will be phased to align with site activity.

Planned dates for procurement of fencing materials, initial phase installation and full perimeter completion have been set and will be updated as required.

Further, Lindian notes that the fuel farm scope includes two 40 000 l bulk fuel storage tanks, dispensing and transfer systems, CCTV, bunding, fire suppression systems and all required safety infrastructure.

The facility will supply both construction and mining operations ahead of first production.