#Australia #Perth #Lindian Resources #SARECO #Hydrometallurgical Facility

Lindian Resources Expands Horizons with Full Acquisition of SARECO's Facility

On August 11, 2026, Lindian Resources Limited, trading as ASX: LIN, officially announced the acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in the SARECO Mixed Rare Earths Carbonate (MREC) facility located in Stepnogorsk, Kazakhstan. This strategic move grants Lindian complete control, enhancing its position in the rare earth market.

SARECO is notable for being the only operational MREC processing facility of commercial scale outside of China, alongside competitors like MP Materials Inc., Serra Verde, and Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. This acquisition is expected to play a significant role in diversifying supply chains for rare earth elements, as demand surges globally, particularly from regions like the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

Key Highlights of the Acquisition:

• - 100% Ownership: Previously holding a 51% interest, Lindian's purchase elevates its ownership to full control over the operational facility. This not only provides operational benefits but also positions the company favorably for future expansions.
• - Timeline for Processing: The company plans to initiate MREC processing in Q4 2026, aligning with the expected first production phase of the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project. There’s potential for earlier processing due to local resource availability.
• - Investment and Financing: The total acquisition price stands at USD 20 million in cash, which includes not only the facility but also additional land and commercial assets totaling 15,500 square meters. The purchase is well-supported by recent institutional capital raising efforts, netting A$ 100 million, thereby ensuring ample funding for the project’s first cash flows from Kangankunde concentrate and MREC operations.
• - Market Demand: Lindian has received significant interest from users in the United States, France, Europe, and Japan for SARECO MREC. This market demand reaffirms the strategic importance of fostering diversified and Western supply chains for rare earth metals, especially in light of increasing geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.

Why The Focus on Rare Earth Metals?

Rare earth elements are critical for a multitude of modern technologies, including electronics, renewable energy solutions, and defense applications. As the global market pushes towards greener technologies, the need for reliable sources of these materials has never been higher.

With the added capability through SARECO, Lindian aims to leverage vertical integration, allowing better control over its production lifecycle from mining to processing. Lindian's Executive Chairman, Robert Martin, expressed excitement regarding this acquisition's potential, stating, "We are thrilled to acquire the remaining 49% of SARECO, as it enables Lindian not just to operate but also to innovate in the rare earth processing space. Our extensive due diligence supports our confidence in SARECO's ability to meet the growing demand and solidify our market position."

Through this acquisition, Lindian not only enhances its operational efficacy but also prepares to tap into the fast-evolving rare earth market, ensuring its readiness to meet both immediate and future challenges in securing a stable supply of these invaluable resources. As the demand escalates and the chances for expansion materialize, Lindian Resources appears well-positioned to lead in the rare earth sector.

For more detailed information, check the ASX statement regarding Lindian acquiring the 100% stake in SARECO's operational hydromet plant, along with its projections for high-value MREC production expected to begin as early as the fourth quarter of 2026.