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.
Image supplied by Dr Nicolaas C Steenkamp.
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 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 high- grade, non-radioactive rare earths. Globe Metals & Mining will raise up to AUD8-million in a three- for-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 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.
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:
Malawiisknown 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-warm- heart-of-africa.html
Source link : https://www.africanmining.co.za/2024/01/09/malawi-the-warm-heart-of-africa-welcomes-miners/
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Publish date : 2024-01-09 08:00:00
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