Lindian acquires full SARECO hydromet facility
Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Aug 09, 2026 · Last updated Aug 10, 2026
The acquisition strengthens Lindian's vertical integration in the rare earths supply chain, potentially boosting its market position and stock price. It also underscores the growing demand for non-Chinese rare earth processing capacity, which could positively impact the broader rare earths sector.
Lindian Resources Limited announced on August 10, 2026 that it has acquired the remaining 49% interest in the SARECO Mixed Rare Earths Carbonate (MREC) hydrometallurgical processing facility in Stepnogorsk, Kazakhstan, increasing its ownership to 100%. The facility, previously owned and operated by Sumitomo Corporation and Kazatomprom, is one of the few commercial-scale MREC processing plants outside China. The acquisition price is US$20 million in cash, which also includes additional land and two commercial facilities totaling 15,500 square meters. Lindian had initially planned to hold a 51% interest through a joint venture, but after due diligence, decided to take full ownership. The company is fully funded following a recent A$100 million institutional capital raising. SARECO is expected to begin processing in Q4 2026, aligning with first production from Lindian's Kangankunde Rare Earths Project. The facility has demonstrated 96% NdPr recovery from Kangankunde concentrate, validated by Australia — Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. Lindian sees strong inbound interest from customers in the United States, Europe, and Japan, highlighting the strategic importance of diversified Western rare earth supply chains.
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