ASX-listed Lindian Resources has successfully completed the first production blast at its Kangankunde rare earths project, in Malawi, marking the start of active mining operations and another major milestone in the company's continued transition from project developer to rare earth producer.

Lindian Resources executive director Zac Komur describes the successful completion of the first production blast as a defining execution milestone for Lindian.

In less than 12 months from final investment decision, Lindian has advanced from construction into mining, with ore already delivered to the  run-of-mine (RoM) stockpile ahead of process plant commissioning later this year.

Komur says this is a major derisking step for the project.

By starting mining ahead of commissioning and establishing RoM ore inventory, he says the company is positioning the plant for ore availability from day one, supporting a smoother start-up and strengthening our pathway to first production in the fourth quarter of this year.

“What is most pleasing is the way this milestone has been delivered.

“The first blast was completed safely, to plan and with strong execution from our mining, drill and blast, construction and site teams. It reflects the discipline, capability and commitment across the project as Kangankunde transitions from development into operations,” he says.

With mining under way, ore now on the RoM stockpile and construction continuing to advance, he says Kangankunde remains firmly on track to become one of the world’s newest rare earth producers.

START OF MINING

Lindian says the first production blast was successfully completed on the maiden mining bench following completion of Lindian's comprehensive drill and blast readiness programme, led by experienced mining manager Samuel Boachie and his team.

The programme included completion of all regulatory approvals, commissioning of the

explosives magazine, blast design verification and implementation of the approved blast management plan.

The inaugural blast comprised 206 production holes drilled over a total of 566.5 m, with about 3.2 t of ammonium nitrate fuel oil explosives loaded across the blast pattern. The blast successfully fragmented about 13 100 t of material, including an estimated 5 500 t of ore, delivering excellent fragmentation consistent with design expectations.

Excavation and haulage activities began immediately following the blast, with ore now being transported through the newly completed haul road to establish the project's initial RoM stockpile ahead of process plant commissioning.

By establishing significant RoM ore stockpiles prior to commissioning, the company says it will begin plant start-up with available ore inventory, reducing commissioning risk and supporting a more efficient transition into commercial production.

Lindian says the successful completion of the first blast represents another significant execution milestone for Kangankunde and demonstrates the continued progression of the project from construction into operations as Lindian advances toward first production later this year.

With mining now underway and ore stockpiling beginning, Kangankunde has entered the final phase of development ahead of commissioning.

Construction activities continue across all major work fronts, with front-end commissioning targeted for October, practical completion targeted for mid-November and first production remaining on schedule for the fourth quarter of this year.

Together with the successful completion of the first blast, the start of mining represents another significant derisking milestone and demonstrates the continued execution of Lindian's development strategy as the company advances towards becoming one of the world's newest rare earth producers.