Lindian Resources Limited (Lindian), an Australian company with transition metals assets in four African nations, has completed a feasibility study for phase one of its project in Malawi which shows it is technically feasible and financially attractive.

In a release on July 1, Lindian said the findings of the 10-month study also highlight that the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project's pre-production capital cost of $40mn, including 12.5% contingency, makes it one of the lowest capital cost rare earths projects under development globally. 

It further notes a stage one post-tax net present value of $555mn, an internal rate of return of 80% and average annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of $84mn.  

The fully-permitted project has maiden ore reserves amounting to 23.7mn tonnes at 2.9% total rare earths oxides to support first stage life-of-mine of 45 years.

The “very strong” economics of the initial phase, said ASX-listed Lindian, the large resource endowment at the permit as well as “robust” market demand forecasts, provide confidence for a potential second stage expansion to significantly increase annual production from about 15,300 tonnes per annum of premium concentrate projected in the first phase.

CEO Alwyn Vorster said the results reaffirm the world-class nature of the asset and its competitive positioning to meet a rising demand for rare earths.

"It is distinguished by its high grade, low levels of impurities and attractive cost structure that positions the project in the lowest cost quartile of rare earths projects globally. The stage one development will require low upfront capital cost, presents low commissioning risk, and generates strong financial returns. Importantly, stage one could serve as logical springboard for future expansion options."

Lindian intends to formally commence a stage two expansion study in 2024 with construction and operation of the initial phase possible as soon as finances are mobilised. Apart from Malawi, it has bauxite and rare earths projects in Tanzania, Mozambique and Guinea.