Lindian Resources flags serious security breach at Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi

Lindian Resources (ASX: LIN) has confirmed reports that two Chinese nationals were among a group of trespassers at its Kangankunde rare earths project site in Malawi in East Africa.

The incident follows a spate of issues involving mining companies in Africa.

In November 2024, the Malian government in West Africa detained three executives from Australian gold mining company Resolute Mining.

Illegal samples

The individuals were detained by local authorities after being found unlawfully on site.

Reports alleged they were attempting to collect geological samples without consent.

Local law enforcement and relevant security agencies are now investigating the matter.

Serious security breach

Executive chair Robert Martin said Lindian considers the incident a serious breach of site security, particularly given the strategic nature of the Kangankunde asset.

Kangankunde is recognised as one of the world’s largest and highest-grade undeveloped rare earths resources, with an estimated Stage 1 mine life exceeding 45 years.

The deposit contains exceptionally high-grade mineralisation and, most notably, an absence of deleterious radioactive elements.

Critically important project

“This event underscores the critical importance of Kangankunde in the global rare earths supply chain at a time of increasing geopolitical and trade tensions, particularly amid tariff escalations between the US and China, where rare earth access is of central strategic concern,” Mr Martin said.

“We would like to thank our head of security Remmie Maseketsa, his security team, the local police force and our operational staff for their diligence in maintaining a safe and secure mine site.”

“The company takes site safety and security extremely seriously.”

“Especially with pre-construction works well underway, to find foreign nationals on an active, unmapped haul road allegedly taking geological samples is concerning—specifically given the current geopolitical nature of the rare earths market.”

“We will continue to work with the authorities to ensure that the company’s sovereignty and security are maintained to the highest standards.”