By Llywellenie Mpasa:
The Ministry of Mining has affirmed commitment to creating an enabling environment and promoting private enterprises’ role in the mining sector as key drivers of economic growth.
Minister of Mining Monica Chayang’anamuno said this when she inaugurated the Salambidwe airborne high-resolution geophysical survey project in Blantyre Thursday.
She said the initiative, funded by DY6 Metals from Australia and executed by Green Exploration Limited, is poised to revolutionise the mining sector in Malawi.
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“The mining sector is placed as the main contributor to sustainable economic growth and is particularly regarded as important,” she said.
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She said the Salambidwe project will foster socio-economic development and contribute towards poverty reduction through the efficient utilisation and management of minerals and other geological resources.
“One of the critical aspects of the initiative is the establishment of an Integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) Database, encompassing geological, mineral resources, remote sensing, geophysical prospecting, and geochemical data.
The targeted exploration area is Salambidwe, situated 50 kilometers west of Chikwawa Boma, known for its rare elements, crucial for green energy and currently in high demand globally.
Local Malawian companies, Green Exploration and Akatswiri/ NRG, were commended for advancing the airborne survey project.
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Green Exploration Limited Country Director Troth Saindi said the DY6 Metals from Australia has provided $7 million in support for the development of three projects, Salambidwe, Machinga, and Ngala, highlighting the potential for further exploration.
“The ultimate goal is to identify and estimate the rare earth resources in the Salambidwe area, providing crucial data for future mining projections and investment opportunities,” he said.
He said the project is a detailed mapping approach, utilising a high-resolution radiometrics helicopter to collect data on rare earth elements.
Akatswiri Mineral Resources Chief Executive Hilton Banda echoed the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including local authorities and communities.
He said the company’s efforts in mapping, geochemical sampling, and radiometric data collection, leading up drilling in the Salambidwe area would commence in April next year, marking the initial steps towards establishing a mine.
“The project has already had a positive impact on the local community, with around 30 workers employed, and it is anticipated that this number will increase as the exploration progresses,” he said.
