Lindian rare earths green-lit for export by Malawian government

In a letter of clarification from the Director General of the Mines and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA), dated October 28, the government recognises that Lindian’s subsidiary, Rift Valley Resources Developments Limited, will beneficiate its raw rare earths ore into a high-grade monazite concentrate at site before any export to external markets. The company says the official clarification provides regulatory certainty as it advances Kangankunde towards first production next year and transitions it into a globally significant rare earths producer. The news caps a turbulent 48 hours for Lindian shares. On October 23, reports of the executive order sparked investor caution, sending the stock down from A$0.385 to A$0.285 on October 27, amid broader concerns over potential export hurdles in Africa’s mineral-rich nations. Lindian swiftly countered on October 27 with an announcement emphasising its in-country beneficiation strategy - the highest locally-feasible level - and its track record of regulatory compliance. Yet, uncertainty lingered until today’s MMRA letter, which has ignited a swift rebound. By midday trading, shares had climbed 13% to A$0.322, recouping a good chunk of the lost ground and reflecting renewed confidence in the project’s trajectory.