- Tanzania | 4 September 2022
What factors attracted Lindian to the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project?
Lindian Resources sees great potential in the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project, considering it a unique opportunity to develop a globally significant rare earths project. The initial research conducted at Kangankunde indicates that the site is highly prospective for extensive rare earths mineralization with strong grades. With this in mind, Lindian is eager to commence work and collaborate effectively with all stakeholders to establish Kangankunde as a prominent resource project in Malawi.
What are the advantages of Lindian’s diversified portfolio?
Lindian Resources believes that having a diversified portfolio offers several advantages. While recognizing the ongoing commodity bull market, Lindian aims to generate consistent earnings over time by building direct exposure to different commodities. Maintaining a diversified asset base remains a crucial component of their strategy. However, Lindian is selective in choosing quality projects that meet their criteria and where they can add value by assembling the right experts and management teams to ensure successful development.
What challenges and opportunities does Lindian face as a new player in Malawi?
Engaging with the Kangankunde project has required Lindian Resources to work directly with policymakers, legislators, regulators, and asset vendors in Malawi over the course of several years. As an ASX-listed company headquartered in Australia, the challenge lies in effectively executing their commercial objectives while adhering strictly to the requirements of operating in a foreign country. Lindian views the project as an opportunity to create value for all stakeholders and contribute to positioning Malawi as a globally recognized mining jurisdiction.
How is Lindian’s strategy in the Guinean “Northern Corridor” evolving?
The Northern Corridor plays a central role in Lindian’s long-term bauxite development strategy in Guinea. The company aims to establish an infrastructure framework that connects its Tier-1 bauxite projects with efficient transport logistics, including in-country railway networks and shipping ports for export. Lindian’s project locations are strategically positioned to benefit from the significant infrastructure investments made in Guinea, which have unlocked two high-grade bauxite provinces in Sangaredi and Boffa-Santou-Houda. The recent Joint Venture agreement between Rio and WSC in Guinea serves as an example of how the mining and investment jurisdiction in Guinea continues to mature, providing Lindian with the potential for further investment opportunities.
Could you help us gain a better understanding of the current fundamentals for rare earths?
In the long term, experts consistently forecast robust demand for rare earths, particularly for elements used in magnet production, which are vital components for manufacturing electric vehicles. As an example of near-term market dynamics, Lynas Rare Earths, an ASX-listed company, recently reported a record annual profit for the 2022 financial year, driven by an average price of A$60.3 per kilogram for its rare earths oxides. This represents a significant increase compared to the previous year’s average price of A$29.8 per kilogram.
Could you comment on Lindian’s outstanding performance on the ASX?
Lindian Resources has witnessed a noteworthy response from investors following its acquisition of the Kangankunde project, which was officially recognized in August 2022. Additionally, Lindian successfully completed two share placements during the year at a significant premium to the previous closing share price, contributing to the company’s strong recent performance on the ASX.
Do you have a final message?
Looking ahead, the next 12 months hold great excitement for Lindian Resources in terms of the ongoing development of their asset portfolio. With over five years of involvement with Lindian, the strategic vision remains the same – to identify compelling resource exploration assets and bring in the right experts and management personnel to develop those assets in a way that benefits both investors and the jurisdictions in which they operate. Lindian believes they are on the right track with this strategy and eagerly anticipates working closely with their team and relevant stakeholders to unlock the full value of their asset portfolio.