New exec to lead Lindian towards Malawi rare earths mine expansion

Lindian Resources has appointed mining development specialist Zac Komur as executive director to lead the company’s giant Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi, where early works are on budget and ahead of schedule.

The company aims to start concentrate production in the fourth quarter of 2026 to help meet surging global demand for critical minerals.

Early works at Kangankunde, including processing areas, run-of-mine pads, roads and solar bore-fields, are nearly complete, on budget and ahead of schedule. Safety audits and community engagement led by Lindian’s community liaison officer Rebecca Hami have ensured good local support for the project. 

Lindian is also progressing its stage two infrastructure tenders and final design proposals are due in October. Stage two works, such as power lines and supply contracts, will ensure the project is construction-ready once the final design and construct contract is awarded, the company says.

With more than 25 years of global resources experience, Komur has served as a non-executive director of Lindian since February. He will transition into an executive role overseeing stage one construction and driving stage two expansion studies and downstream partnerships. 

His expertise spans mining, battery metals and LNG projects at BHP, Fortescue, INPEX and Northvolt, where he delivered complex projects such as the US$37 billion (A$56 billion) Ichthys processing facility near Darwin. 

Komur’s new Lindian role includes managing budget and quality for stage one, advancing stage two to execution readiness and securing rare earth carbonate processing partnerships to boost shareholder value.

Lindian Resources executive chairman Robert Martin said: “Zac is a highly qualified chemical engineer with expertise in both upstream mining and downstream processing. He brings deep project delivery experience… having executed landmark projects globally.” 

Kangankunde is a massive world-class rare earths deposit with 261 million tonnes of mineral resources and 23.7Mt of ore reserves. It is fully funded via a recent $91.5 million institutional placement and a US$20 million (A$30.07 million) Iluka Resources deal. 

The project’s recently expanded 2500-hectare mining licence supports a potential production increase to 50,000 tonnes per annum. The company has a feasibility study underway to refine its stage 2 targets. 

Lindian’s strategic moves, including full ownership and a non-radioactive classification, position Kangankunde as a key rare earths supplier beyond the sphere of China’s supply, amid rising global demand for electric vehicles and other renewable energy components.

With seasoned leadership and robust funding, Lindian is on track to deliver on Kangankunde’s potential and strengthen the company’s role in the world’s critical minerals market. As stage one nears completion and stage two kicks off in earnest, the project seems set for plenty of exciting developments.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@businessnews.com.au