ACTIVE PROJECTS
Malawi's mining sector is vibrant and growing, with the Ministry of Mining issuing numerous licenses for exploration, mining, retention, and reconnaissance across various minerals including uranium, rutile/titanium, platinum group metals, limestone, gold, iron ore, and gypsum.
International and Local Exploration Efforts: The Chamber has a wide array of both international and local companies engaged in mineral exploration. Key minerals include niobium and tantalum (explored by Globe Metals and Mining), rare earth minerals, uranium, limestone, and heavy mineral sands like rutile and ilmenite.
Significant Mining Ventures:
- Bwanje Cement Company (Ntcheu): Spearheading a significant project in cement production.
- Tengani Heavy Mineral Sands Project (Nsanje): A notable initiative for the extraction of rutile and ilmenite.
- Mkango Resources Rare Earth Elements Project (Phalombe): Focusing on the exploration of rare earth elements.
- Mawei Mining Limited (Mangochi): Engaged in the heavy mineral sands project.
- Sovereign Metals Limited (Lilongwe): Actively involved in the extraction of graphite and rutile.
- Kangankunde REE: Grade: 2.2 TREO%, Tonnage: 261 Mt, Status: Lindian Resources - Resource upgrade.
- Songwe REE: Grade: 1.2% TRE, Tonnage: 18.15 Mt, Status: Mkango Resources – Mining Negotiation.
- Kayelekera Uranium: Grade: 500 ppm U3O8, Tonnage: 46.3 Mlb, Status: Mining Negotiation.
- Malingunde Graphite: Grade: 9.5 % TGC, Tonnage: 9.5 Mt, Status: NGX Ltd – Definitive Feasibility Study.
- Kasiya Rutile/Graphite:
1. Grade: 1.01% Rutile, Tonnage: 1,809 Mt, Status: Sovereign Metals - Feasibility Study.
2. Grade: 1.32% Graphite, Tonnage: 1,809 Mt. - Malowa Limestone: Grade: 51.7% CaO, Tonnage: 15.17 Mt, Status: Mining Development.
Employment and Economic Impact: These projects are not just about mineral extraction; they're catalysts for economic growth and employment. The sector contributes significantly to coal mining, cement manufacturing, lime production, and small-scale mining, providing thousands of jobs and fostering economic development.
Future Prospects: The Chamber is poised to make Malawi a significant exporter of minerals like niobium, rare earths, graphite, and rutile. These efforts are supported by ongoing negotiations and developmental agreements, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous mining future for Malawi.