Minister of Mining Thoko Tembo has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Balaka District, saying the mining operations are being undertaken in line with government standards.
Tembo made the remarks after visiting the Kangankunde Mining Site, where Lindian Resources, through its subsidiary Rift Valley Resource Developments Limited, is developing a rare earths mining project.
The project is targeting first production in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Minister said government is committed to transforming the mining sector by ensuring that minerals are extracted responsibly, processed, and exported in a manner that maximises value.
He said the developments at Kangankunde are in line with government’s vision of increasing the contribution of the mining sector to Malawi’s economy.
Executive Director for Lindian Resources, Zac Komur, said the company is currently mining rare earth-bearing high-grade ore, including monazite, which contains rare earth elements used in modern technologies.
According to Lindian, the Kangankunde project is being developed in stages, with the first stage focusing on mining and production of monazite concentrate.
Komur said mining activities are progressing following the first production blast conducted in July 2026.
He said the company has since conducted 14 blasts as it continues to build, with the latest blast being conducted by Minister Tembo during his visit.
The project is located at Senzani in Balaka and is one of Malawi’s major investments in the mining industry.
By Hassan Phiri
