By Mcloyd Chilangiza:
Lotus Resources Limited has said its Kayelekera Uranium Mine operated at over 80 percent capacity in February as the mine moves towards steady-state production of uranium in the second quarter of 2026.
In a statement released on Monday, the mining company said the processing plant operated at 80 percent utilisation during the second half of February.
However, the processing and milling rate stood at 65 percent of the expected steady-state level, indicating that the mine is still in the ramp-up phase.
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Lotus Resources Managing Director Greg Bittar said the operational progress recorded in recent weeks signals steady momentum towards full capacity.
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“Progress at Kayelekera during February was pleasing and we are demonstrating continued improvement in plant availability, milling rate and other key processing parameters which positions us for steady-state production in the second quarter of 2026,” he said.
The firm said commissioning of the mine’s sulphuric acid plant is underway, with hot commissioning expected in April.
Once operational, the plant will support uranium processing as the company prepares for its first shipment of uranium concentrate in the second quarter of 2026.
Recently, the Karonga-based mine secured over $53 million through the sale of about 35.4 million new shares at A$2.15 each on the Australian Securities Exchange market.
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Mining policy expert Paul Mvula said increased production at Kayelekera could bring broader economic benefits to Malawi, particularly through increased foreign exchange inflows and employment creation. “In terms of the benefits to the country, such production could support foreign exchange inflows for Malawi. We are also looking at the possibility that this may ease pressure on unemployment levels, particularly for households and young people who are trying to find employment,” he said.
