Preparations to restart uranium production at the Kayelekera Mine in Karonga District are nearing completion, with mining operations expected to commence by the end of July or early August, according to government and company officials.
The announcement came following a high-level meeting on July 10, 2025, between Minister of Mining Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma and Michael Bowen, Chairman of Australian mining firm Lotus Resources Limited, which owns the mine. Held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lilongwe, the meeting confirmed that final commissioning of the facility is well underway.
Lotus Resources acquired Kayelekera from Paladin Africa Limited and secured a mining license in 2024. The company says it is committed to a long-term presence in Malawi, with a focus on local employment, sustainability, and community partnerships.
“The company prioritizes the employment of women and youth,” Bowen stated. “To date, over 90% of our workforce is comprised of indigenous Malawians.” Minister Ng’oma welcomed the commitment, urging the company to go further in ensuring that surrounding communities see tangible benefits from the project.
Ng’oma emphasized that the mine’s revival aligns with President Lazarus Chakwera’s economic strategy under the Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) model. “This is a clear sign that Malawi’s mining sector is gaining international investor confidence,” he said, pointing to recent interest from companies in Australia, China, the UAE, and Kuwait.
Once operational, Kayelekera is expected to become one of Malawi’s largest export revenue sources and a key driver of job creation, particularly in the country’s north. The mine previously operated from 2009 to 2014 before being placed on care and maintenance due to low global uranium prices.
With global demand for uranium rising, Lotus Resources says it is confident in the mine’s commercial viability and environmental compliance. “Our final preparations are on track,” Bowen added. “We are ready to begin full-scale production as early as next month.”
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