Malawi will restart operations at the Kayelekera Uranium Mine in June 2025. This move comes after more than ten years since production stopped because of low global prices. Minister of Mining Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma announced the decision during a meeting in Lilongwe with executives from Lotus Africa Limited. The government owns 15/percent of the mine, while Lotus holds the remaining 85/percent.
Lotus Africa Limited took over the project from Paladin Africa Limited and secured a new mining license in 2024. The Kayelekera Mine is located in Karonga District, near the border with Tanzania. The company aims to bring the mine back into operation as part of a strategy to boost Malawi’s mining sector. Lotus Managing Director Greg Bittar confirmed that operations would resume in June 2025. He added that the first uranium production should follow within one to two months.
The Kayelekera Mine holds an estimated 51.1 million pounds of uranium, or about 23,179 tonnes. This resource could help drive economic growth and create new jobs. As global energy trends favor nuclear power, restarting the mine may attract more foreign investment and enhance Malawi’s role in the mining market.
Both the government and Lotus Africa Limited plan to follow strict environmental and safety rules. They will work closely with regulators to ensure that mining practices protect local ecosystems. This careful approach aims to balance economic gains with sustainable development.
The reopening of Kayelekera marks an important step for Malawi. It shows a clear commitment to modernizing its mining industry and tapping into its natural resources. As the project moves forward, industry observers will watch its progress with great interest.