COUNTRY IN FOCUS •
The shoreline of Lake Malawi – Malawi , in the local language ( Chichewa ) means fire or flames . The name is derived from the fascinating sunrise and sunset over Lake Malawi .
Craig Manners | Unsplash
MALAWI – ‘ THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA ’ WELCOMES MINERS
Malawi is looking for recognition in the African mining sector , writes Dr Nicolaas C Steenkamp .
The small land-locked country of Malawi is better known for one of Africa ’ s Great Lakes – Lake Malawi or Lake Nyasa , depending on who you talk to , with fishing and boat transport making up the bulk of activity . The main export from Malawi is its famous tea , but the country is also looking for recognition in the southern African region as a mineral resource contributor .
Geological setting One of the prominent geological features of Malawi is the East African Rift System , which runs through the country from north to south . This rift is part of a larger tectonic boundary where the African tectonic plate is pulling apart , leading to the formation of a rift valley . The Malawi Rift , as it is known within the country , comprises faults and deep valleys , including the Great Rift Valley that passes through Lake Malawi . This tectonic activity has shaped the topography of the region and influenced the distribution of water bodies and fertile soils .
The majority of Malawi ' s geological foundation consists of ancient Precambrian basement rocks , which form the core of the African Plate . The Malawi Basement Complex includes granitic and gneissic rocks , as well as schists and migmatites . These rocks have undergone multiple phases of metamorphism , folding and faulting , resulting in a complex geological history . Volcanic rocks are also present in Malawi , though they are not as extensive as in other East African countries . These volcanic formations are associated with the tectonic activity along the East African Rift . In some areas , remnants of ancient volcanic activity can still be found , including volcanic plugs and lava flows .
Lake Malawi is a significant feature in the country . It is a freshwater lake occupying a substantial portion of the country ' s eastern region . The lake lies within the East African Rift System and is a result of the tectonic activity associated with the rift . It is surrounded by sedimentary basins filled with thick layers of sedimentary rocks , such as sandstone and shale .
Mining sector Uranium mining has been a major contributor historically in Malawi ' s mining sector , contributing 1 % of the global production . The Kayelekera Uranium Mine , operated by Paladin Africa Limited , was the country ' s largest uranium mine . However , the mine was placed on care and maintenance in 2014 due to low uranium prices and regulatory challenges . Despite the temporary closure , the uranium deposits remain a significant resource . Lotus
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2024 • 19