The Ministry of Mining has disclosed that it has issued 48 new large-scale mineral exploration licenses.
According to Minister of Mining Albert Mbawala, a number of both international and local companies are continuing engaging in mineral exploration, mine development and mining for various minerals.
He said: “Some major mineral projects simmering in the pipeline include: the anticipated Kanyika Niobium Project in Mzimba by Globe Metals and Mining, Songwe Hills Rare Earth Minerals Project in Phalombe by Mkango Resources Limited, Kayelekera Uranium Mining Project in Karonga by Lotus Resources Limited, and, Graphite and Rutile Projects at Malingunde and Kasiya respectively in Lilongwe by Sovereign Services Limited.”
Mbawala has also disclosed that data to do with the country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey, dubbed Kauniuni can be accessed by the general public from the Geological Survey Department in Zomba.
The Mining Minister added that the data can be accessed at a nominal fee depending on the client’s area of interest.
“The survey was carried out to facilitate exploration activities and geological mapping. The results may also be used for other purposes such as in the construction industry,” said Mbawala.
However, Chairperson for the parliamentary committee on natural resources and climate change Welani Chilenga has expressed reservations on the issuing of the said exploration licences arguing that the country has not benefited much from mining activities.
“It’s a good idea, we have had such exploration activities taking place, we have not seen the benefit as a country.
Also when the exploration is done, we should see it at the end that it is benefiting Malawians because from the previous explorations, as a country we have not benefited much,” Chilenga said.
The up-dated geoscientific and mining database indicates that the country has considerable mineralization of: rare earth elements, alluvial gold, limestone and dolomite, coal, uranium, heavy mineral sands, gemstones of various types, bauxite, graphite, gypsum, kaolinitic ceramic clays, glass sands, dimension stones, rock phosphates, vermiculite, talc, pyrite/pyrrhotite, salt and kyanite.
Additionally, there are kimberlitic anomalies for diamond mineralization and there is also potential for oil and gas in what is known as “Malawi Rift” and other sedimentary geological basins across the country.
