Key Minerals of the African Continent: U.S. Interest in Malawi's Rare Earths Extends to the Kangankunde Project

¬ Lindian Resources Holds Talks with U.S. Officials on the Supply Potential of the Kangankunde Mine

¬ Tracking the Funding Developments of the Songwe Hill Rare Earths Project

¬ Washington Seeks Alternatives to China-Dominated Rare Earth Supply Chains

In Malawi, Lindian Resources is discussing the potential role of its Kangankunde rare earths project in alleviating U.S. rare earth supply shortages with representatives of the U.S. government. A statement released on December 15 showed that just a few months ago, the U.S. had already allocated funds to the Songwe Hill project, highlighting Washington's growing interest in Malawi's rare earth industry.

In September, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) provided $4.6 million to Mkango Resources to support the development of the Songwe Hill project. Although funding arrangements for the Kangankunde project have not yet been announced, Lindian Resources revealed that the company recently hosted senior U.S. government officials, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Nicholas Cheek, who is responsible for African affairs. This visit aimed to advance discussions on potential collaboration that had taken place recently.

The statement noted that both parties had constructive discussions on the potential role of the Kangankunde deposit in filling emerging supply gaps, particularly regarding processing value chains aligned with the needs of the U.S. and its allies. Lindian emphasized that the deposit has substantial reserves, high mineralization grades, and low radioactivity levels, fully meeting the core standards of several international critical mineral supply initiatives.

Over the past few months, the U.S. has continued to intensify efforts to diversify critical mineral supply chains to reduce reliance on China. As Sino-U.S. trade tensions continue to escalate, this strategy was further upgraded in 2025 following Beijing's restrictions on rare earth exports. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed in an interview with the Financial Times in November that the government has developed a two-year plan to develop alternative supply chains.

It is within this context that the U.S. has shown strong interest in Malawi. As one of the few countries in Africa conducting multiple rare earth projects, the Kangankunde mine in Malawi is expected to begin operations by the end of 2026, with an initial annual production capacity of 15,300 tons of rare earth concentrate. According to a feasibility study published in 2022, the Songwe Hill mine is expected to produce 8,425 tons of rare earth carbonate annually over an 18-year mining cycle.

Despite the significant potential, the U.S. involvement in these projects is still in its early stages. Similar to the Kangankunde project, the DFC funding for the Songwe Hill project has not yet resulted in a purchase agreement. Lindian Resources stated that as the Kangankunde project approaches commercial production, they will continue to advance related negotiations.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government is promoting the development of rare earth resources in several African countries through loans and grants. Specific projects include the Lomngujo project developed by Angolan company Pensana and the Phalaborwa project operated by South African Rainbow Rare Earths Company.

Source: ecofinagency

Original: toutiao.com/article/1851851081672073/

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