By Linda Kwanjana
Preparations at the Kayelekera uranium mine in Karonga District are at an advanced stage, with mining operations expected to commence by the end of July or early August
officials have confirmed.
The development follows an announcement made on Thursday, 10 July 2025, when Minister of Mining Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma met with Michael Bowen, Chairman of Australian mining firm Lotus Resources Limited, at the Ministry’s offices in Lilongwe.
Lotus Resources Limited, which acquired the Kayelekera facility from Paladin Africa Limited and was granted a mining licence in 2024, is in the final stages of commissioning the project.
Speaking during the meeting, Bowen expressed the company’s strong commitment to establishing uranium mining operations in Malawi.
“The company prioritizes the employment of women and youths,” Bowen said. “So far, over 90% of our workforce comprises indigenous Malawians.”
Minister Ng’oma commended the company’s approach, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in the mining sector.
“I want to urge the Lotus leadership to ensure that the communities surrounding Kayelekera benefit from this project,” he said. “By prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and community benefits, the project has the potential to positively impact Malawi’s economy and society at large.”
Ng’oma also reiterated the government’s readiness to support Lotus Resources Limited as the company moves towards full-scale production.
“The State President, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, has put in place various strategies aimed at promoting the mining industry through his ATM model,” Ng’oma noted. “These strategies are bearing fruit, as evidenced by the arrival of multinational investors from Australia, China, the UAE, and Kuwait.”
Once operational, Kayelekera is expected to be a significant contributor to Malawi’s export earnings and local employment, marking a major milestone in the revitalization of the country’s mining sector.
According to Lotus Resources Limited, final preparations are progressing swiftly, paving the way for mining activities to commence as early as next month.
