Kangankunde’s Expansion Hinges on North Knoll Drilling Success
Lindian Resources has launched drilling at the North Knoll prospect near its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project, aiming to confirm high-grade NdPr-rich mineralisation that could boost early-stage production and lower costs.
- Drilling commenced at North Knoll, 800m north of Kangankunde’s Central Carbonatite resource
- Surface samples show high-grade TREO up to 7.15% with NdPr averaging 21%
- Initial 9-hole program targets down-dip and along-strike continuity of mineralisation
- Potential to supply high-grade feed for Stage 1 mining, improving cost and scheduling
- First assay results expected in Q2 2026, supporting resource updates and mine planning
Exploration Steps Up at North Knoll
Lindian Resources Limited (ASX, LIN) has commenced an initial drilling program at the North Knoll prospect, a high-grade rare earths target situated just 800 metres north of the Central Carbonatite Mineral Resource at its flagship Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi. This drilling campaign aims to test the depth and continuity of previously identified surface mineralisation rich in neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr), critical elements for permanent magnets and clean energy technologies.
High-Grade Surface Mineralisation Promises Upside
North Knoll hosts ferroan dolomite carbonatite lenses with rock-chip samples grading between 2.07% and 7.15% total rare earth oxides (TREO), with NdPr constituting approximately 21% of the TREO content; comparable to the main Kangankunde deposit. These grades are significant given the global demand for NdPr, which are among the most valuable rare earth elements. The prospect’s proximity to existing infrastructure and processing facilities enhances its strategic value as a near-mine expansion target.
Drilling Program and Objectives
The current drilling program involves nine core holes totaling approximately 650 metres, designed to intersect the mineralised lenses perpendicular to their dip. The key objectives are to confirm whether the high-grade surface mineralisation extends at depth, define the geometry and continuity of the carbonatite lenses, and generate data to support potential inclusion of North Knoll in future resource estimates and mine scheduling. Lindian anticipates completing this phase within three weeks, with assay results expected in the second quarter of 2026.
Strategic Implications for Kangankunde
Executive Director Zac Komur highlighted that confirming continuity at North Knoll could provide high-grade starter feed for the first five years of the Kangankunde mine plan, potentially lowering unit mining costs and enhancing early production rates. This near-mine growth step could add flexibility to mine scheduling and increase the resilience and value of Stage 1 operations, which are already fully funded following a recent strategic partnership and institutional placement.
Looking Ahead
The Kangankunde Project remains one of the world’s most promising rare earths developments, with a combined Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource of 261 million tonnes at 2.14% TREO. The North Knoll drilling results will be closely watched by investors and industry observers as they could materially enhance the project’s high-grade inventory and operational outlook. Positive outcomes here would reinforce Lindian’s position in the critical minerals sector amid growing global demand for rare earths.
Bottom Line?
North Knoll drilling could unlock valuable high-grade feed, reshaping Kangankunde’s early production profile and cost structure.
Questions in the middle?
- Will North Knoll drilling confirm the continuity and grade of NdPr-rich mineralisation at depth?
- How might positive results impact the timing and scale of Kangankunde’s Stage 1 production?
- What are the potential cost savings and operational flexibilities from integrating North Knoll into the mine plan?
