Lindian Resources (ASX:LIN) said first ore introduction and first production of monazite concentrate is targeted by the end of the year at its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi, following a site visit by Malawi's Minister of Mining Thoko Tembo and senior government representatives, according to a Thursday Australian bourse filing.

The company said ore feedstock is ahead of schedule, with about 125,000 tonnes of ore now established on the run-of-mine pad, providing substantial feedstock ahead of commissioning and supporting a controlled ramp-up to first production.

Practical completion remains on track, while 33 kilovolt power infrastructure is substantially advanced, with site transformer installation and energization planned for October to enable progressive electrical testing and plant commissioning, the filing added.

The critical minerals company's shares were down nearly 2% in recent Thursday trade.