Geophysical data reveals exploration targets in Phalombe
An airborne survey which the government undertook with support from the World Bank has revealed a number of exploration targets within the Phalombe licence, which is under Mkango Resources Limited.
Mkango Resources is currently doing rare earth elements exploration works at Songwe Hill.
The survey indicates strong thorium radiometric anomalies.
According to a statement from Mkango Resources, apart from Songwe Hill, there are two other identified vent systems in the Phalombe licence namely Nkalonje and Namangale.
“Thorium radiometrics are known as a highly effective tool for rare earths exploration and the Songwe Hill carbonatite is also characterised by a thorium radiometric anomaly, identified through previous geophysical surveys.
“Unlike Songwe Hill, the Nkalonje and Namangale vent systems do not feature large areas of outcropping carbonatite, the host rock for rare earths at Songwe Hill. However, both contain outcrops of carbonatite veins and dykes suggesting that there may be potential for a carbonatite body below surface, in particular at Nkalonje, where the new airborne magnetic survey indicates that the vent complex coincides with a magnetic low,” reads part of the statement.
Mkango Chief Executive Officer, William Dawes, said the Songwe Hill project has a life span of up to 20 years.
“The airborne survey further supports the rare earths exploration potential of the broader Phalombe licence area. The Songwe project itself has significant resource upside, both laterally and to depth, and together with other targets in the Phalombe licence, underpins Mkango’s potential to be a long term, sustainable producer of rare earths.
“We believe ongoing infrastructure developments in Malawi will catalyse mineral development, and, with ongoing government and stakeholder support, Mkango’s objective is to spearhead development of Malawi’s very substantial rare earths resource base,” said Dawes.
He further said Mkango will continue to explore partnership opportunities for both the Songwe and Thambani projects with a view to accelerating exploration and development of the projects for the benefit of all stakeholders.
