The Kangankunde venture in Malawi has now obtained full permits for construction, mining, and processing, marking a significant milestone for Australian mining company Lindian Resources. With approval received for groundwater extraction at the site, the project is poised to begin operations in the southern region of the country. Kangankunde boasts substantial deposits of neodymium and praseodymium, crucial elements for manufacturing high-power permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Lindian’s half-year report reveals the project’s estimated resources, indicating its status among the world’s largest rare earth deposits, with 5.72 million tons of rare earths, including 20.2 percent neodymium and praseodymium. The company plans to unveil its feasibility study for the initial mining and processing phase later this quarter, along with updated resource assessments and ore reserve estimations.
Malawi: Not solely dependent on Kangankunde
While Lindian’s Kangankunde project is significant, Malawi hosts other rare earth ventures, highlighting the country’s growing prominence in critical minerals. Despite its modest size, Malawi has garnered attention from miners. Canadian company Mkango is developing the Songwe Hill project, the most advanced rare earth venture in the country, alongside several other exploration projects. Moreover, a study by the U.S. Geological Survey identifies Malawi as home to deposits of gold, titanium, graphite, and zirconium, underscoring its potential as a mineral-rich nation.
