Kazakhstan: a critical downstream rare earths platform.
The SARECO plant in Kazakhstan underpins Lindian’s transition to an integrated rare earths producer, located in a well-established industrial jurisdiction with existing infrastructure, workforce and permitting to support near-term MREC production.
The SARECO plant provides Lindian with an established hydrometallurgical processing facility capable of converting Kangankunde monazite concentrate into higher-value Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate. Independent testwork has confirmed strong recoveries and low radionuclide content, supporting a conventional processing flowsheet and broad downstream market acceptance.
The acquisition delivers a capital-efficient pathway to downstream production, with an operational plant, existing infrastructure and permits already in place. Integration with Kangankunde feedstock is expected to support first MREC production in Q4 2026, positioning Lindian as an emerging integrated rare earths producer.
Fast-tracking downstream production through an established facility.
Lindian’s development strategy for the Kazakhstan plant is focused on bringing the SARECO hydrometallurgical facility into efficient commercial operation through a structured recommissioning and optimisation program.
The Company will undertake detailed due diligence, engineering review and operational readiness activities to support the restart of the plant, leveraging its existing infrastructure, permits and operating history. This approach is expected to materially reduce development timelines and capital requirements relative to a greenfield processing facility.
Under the proposed joint venture arrangements, the plant is expected to process approximately 12,500 tonnes per annum of monazite concentrate from the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project under an arm’s length supply agreement.
Following completion, Lindian will act as joint venture manager and will oversee the recommissioning and operation of the plant, with MREC production targeted in line with Kangankunde development.
Lindian-RA JV to acquire 100% of operating hydromet plant -MREC Production by Q4 2026
An established industrial jurisdiction with strategic advantages.
Kazakhstan is a long-standing global mining and processing jurisdiction, offering the infrastructure, industrial capability and strategic positioning required to support downstream rare earths production.
Key strengths include:
Proximity to established infrastructure and logistics networks
The SARECO plant is located in Stepnogorsk, within an established industrial precinct with access to power, reagents, transport infrastructure and export pathways.
Existing permits and operating history
The plant has a prior operating history and established permitting framework, supporting a streamlined pathway to recommissioning and commercial operation.
Established industrial and regulatory framework
Kazakhstan has a well-developed mining and industrial sector with a track record of supporting large-scale resource and processing operations.
Experienced workforce and operational capability
The facility benefits from access to a skilled local workforce with experience in hydrometallurgical processing and industrial operations.
Strategic relevance to global supply chains
Kazakhstan is increasingly recognised as a key jurisdiction for critical minerals, with strengthening cooperation with the United States on supply chain diversification and growing importance in supporting non-Chinese rare earths processing.
Strategic assets entering development phase
Kangankunde is widely recognised as one of the world’s most exciting rare earths projects, complemented by Lindian’s Kazakhstan MREC plant, which together form a fully integrated upstream and downstream rare earths platform.
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