ASX-listed Lindian Resources has confirmed that its Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi remains unaffected by recent declaration by the country’s president, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika regarding potential restrictions on the export of raw minerals.
Lindian says in a statement that it is emphatically adamant the Republic of Malawi’s latest restrictions on any raw mineral exports won’t impact Kangankunde production, with how the explorer processes its minerals “within the laws.”
The company said on Monday it had been made aware of reports indicating that the Malawian government may not allow the export of unprocessed minerals but emphasised that it operated in full compliance with local laws and that its project fell within the exemptions outlined in the President’s Executive Order No. 2 of 2025.
According to President Mutharika’s order: “This prohibition shall not apply to minerals that have been processed, refined, or value-added in Malawi in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the mining sector.”
Lindian noted that the Malawian government was aware of its plans to beneficiate material produced from Kangankunde, with the company intending to process raw resources into a concentrate before export.
“This, for now, is the highest level of beneficiation that can be done within the country,” the company said in a statement.
The company described the government’s stance as having been made “in good faith and for the good of the country”, adding that it would continue to engage constructively with Malawian authorities and the broader mining industry.
Lindian also confirmed that its current exploration, environmental and community engagement activities at Kangankunde were continuing as normal, and that the project remained fully compliant with local regulations but emphasised that it operated in full compliance with local laws and that its project fell.
According to the order: “This prohibition shall not apply to minerals that have been processed, refined, or value-added in Malawi in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the mining sector.”
Lindian emphasised that the Malawian government was aware of its plans to beneficiate material produced from Kangankunde, with the company intending to process raw resources into a concentrate before export.
Said Lindian Resources: “This, for now, is the highest level of beneficiation that can be done within the country.”
Lindian Resources (ASX:LIN) is adamant the Republic of Malawi’s latest restrictions on any raw mineral exports won’t impact Kangankunde production, with how the explorer processes its minerals “within the laws.”
“Lindian has always and will continue to operate within the laws of the country wherever it is carrying out its mining activities,” the company wrote.
The explorer’s operations fall under exemptions outlined in the President’s Executive Order No.2 delivered in Malawi this year, under Section 3: “Processed, refined, or value-added” minerals are exempt under the law.
Lindian has been speaking to the Malawi government, too, to make sure it’s aware the company is processing the minerals it takes out of the region.
“All in all, Lindian holds the view that the pronouncements by the country’s leadership was made in good faith and for the good of the country, and will continue to work with the Government of Malawi and their mining industry.”
Kangankunde lies in southern Malawi and has long been a cornerstone project for the Australian explorer; it’s been described as one of the largest and most promising underdeveloped rare earth deposits globally.
“This, for now, is the highest level of beneficiation that can be done within the country.”
Lindian Resources
Statement
