COUNTRY IN FOCUS •
Resources has completed an AUD25-million share placement to sophisticated , professional and institutional investors to progress the re-development of Kayelekera , following completion of the DFS ( Definitive Feasibility Study ) in August 2022 , indicating the potential of it being one of the lowest cost operating uranium projects .
The other main mining activities are related to Rare Earth Elements ( REE ). Lindian Resources has reported a maiden mineral resource of 261 million tonnes at its Kangankunde rare earths project , grading at 2.19 % total rare earth oxides with long intersections of highgrade , non-radioactive rare earths .
Globe Metals & Mining will raise up to AUD8-million in a threefor-seven entitlement offer to fund work at its Kanyika niobium project , following approval of the Mining Development Agreement ( MDA ) by the Malawian government in March 2023 .
The Malawi Environmental Protection Agency has approved the environmental- , social- and health-impact assessment for Mkango ’ s flagship Songwe Hill rare earths project . The project achieved definitive feasibility study stage in September of last year , one of the few REE projects globally to do so . Exploration results at its Nkalonje Hill project continue to show potential for further mineralisation at depth , especially as it is proving similar to the high-grade Songwe Hill rare earths project .
Sovereign Metals owns the Kasiya project , which will produce graphite and rutile in parallel . The company has started a graphite bulk sample programme at its Kasiya project for qualification , downstream test work and product development purposes . The company is upgrading in-country facilities to enable the continuous production of graphite bulk samples for marketing . It has also entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Japanese trader Mitsui & Co to establish a marketing alliance and offtake for 30 000t / y of natural rutile . It was indicated last year that the Kasiya deposit has become the largest in the world with a 1.8 billion tonnes of indicated and inferred resource at 1.01 % rutile .
Malawi is a producer of phosphates , which are mainly used in domestic fertiliser production . The main phosphate deposits are located in the Karonga district . The country also has notable limestone deposits , which are used in the construction industry . There are only small coal deposits mined from the Livingstonia and Rumphi mines in the northern region of the country , which are used in the domestic market .
Apatite is found near Lake Chilwa and bauxite from the hills of Mulanje along with kyanite mines in the Dedza-Kirk Range . Vermiculite is developed in the region of Ntcheu close to Lake Malawi and REE deposits , at Mount Kangankunde .
The Chimimbe Hill mines in western Malawi have the potential for copper and nickel mineralisation . Notable deposits of niobium ( columbium ), tantalum and zirconium have been recorded in the Kanyika pyrochlore mines .
Artisanal and small-scale mining play a crucial role in Malawi ' s mining industry , especially in the extraction of gemstones – such as emeralds , rubies and topaz , and precious minerals – specifically in small , localised gold operations . Gold mining in Malawi is associated with placer gold in the Lisungwe Valley , north of Blantyre to the west of Zalewa-Balaka road . There has been a
It was indicated last year that the Kasiya deposit has become the largest in the world with a 1.8 billion tonnes of indicated and inferred resource at 1.01 % rutile .
considerable effort made by the authorities to regulate the sector and improve the working conditions in the AMS operations .
The country also has known occurrences of bauxite , kaolinitic , coal , kyanite , limestones , REE including strontianite and monazite , graphite , sulphides , e . g . pyrite and pyrrhotite , titanium minerals and vermiculite .
Malawi has also updated its mining laws and policies to attract foreign investment and promote responsible mining practice . The main legislation relating to mining in Malawi is the Mines and Minerals Act 1981 which enunciates rules of business for the sector ; the Petroleum ( Exploration and Production ) Act 1983 ; and the Explosives Act 1968 . The mines and minerals act 2018 Implementation of the Mining Act rests with the Commissioner for Mines and Minerals under the Ministry of Energy and Mining . A National Environmental Action Plan has also been proposed and it is mandatory for all mining projects to prepare an environmental impact assessment plan .
One of the significant obstacles to the growth of the mining industry in Malawi , however , is the state of infrastructure . The lack of well-developed transportation networks , power supply , and other essential infrastructure hinder efficient mining operations and increase operational costs . Addressing these infrastructure challenges is crucial to facilitating mineral transportation and encouraging further investment in the sector .
Malawi ' s mining sector holds immense potential for contributing to economic growth and providing employment opportunities . The country ' s diverse mineral resources , particularly in uranium and gemstones , have attracted interest from investors . Although there are challenges to address , such as additional regulatory improvements , infrastructure development , and environmental concerns , efforts are underway to promote responsible mining and unlock the sector ' s full potential . With a focus on sustainable practices and a conducive investment climate , Malawi can harness its mineral wealth for the benefit of its people and overall development . •
References :
1 . Malawi is known as “ The Warm Heart of Africa ” because of how kind its people are , its grand landscape , and its beautiful wildlife . The country is considered one of the safest places to visit or live in Africa . Malawi , in the local language ( Chichewa ) means fire or flames . The name is derived from the fascinating sunrise and sunset over Lake Malawi . Lake Malawi is one of the country ’ s main attractions and the third largest lake in Africa , popular for its crystal-clear water and a high number of fish species . https :// www . worldatlas . com / articles / which-country-is-called-the-warmheart-of-africa . html
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