Mining & Trade News

The newly elected President of the Malawi Women in Mining Association (MAWIMA) Ashley Simbeye says she will prioritize empowerment, safety and fair representation of women in mining establishments in the country.

Simbeye told Mining & Trade Review that her victory at MAWIMA polls was both an honour and a responsibility, one she intends to carry with humility and determination.

“I feel deeply honoured, humbled and inspired to be entrusted with this role. This is not just a position for me but also a call to serve women in mining across Malawi, to amplify their voices and ensure they take their rightful place in the mining sector,” she said.

Simbeye explained that her election comes at a time when women miners are grappling with significant challenges ranging from unsafe working environments to limited access to resources.

She said, “I will push for stronger enforcement of safety standards, for accessible protective gear and for community-led safety committees where women miners themselves take part in monitoring and accountability.”

While safety is a pressing concern, Simbeye also noted that women in mining face a broader set of barriers including poor working conditions, limited representation in policy spaces, economic vulnerability and cultural stereotypes that undermine their contributions.

She said in addressing these challenges, MAWIMA will assist in building solidarity among women miners while advocating for gender-sensitive policies at national level.

“Being elected means so much more than holding a title. It reflects the confidence and hope my fellow women miners have placed in me. That trust fuels me to work harder to bring about meaningful change. I may feel overwhelmed sometimes, but I am fueled by passion and commitment to serve,” she said.

Simbeye revealed that her strategy will rest on three interconnected pillars namely safety and health, economic empowerment and advocacy. Under economic empowerment, she intends to champion training programs, access to credit and market linkages that will allow women miners to maximize the value of their work.

“We have women producing gemstones, quarry products, and small-scale gold, but most of them sell their minerals informally at low prices. With proper training, financial literacy and market connections, these women can turn their mining into viable businesses that support their families and communities,” she said.

Simbeye also stressed the need to decentralize MAWIMA’s structures so that women miners in rural districts are not excluded from the association’s programs.

“Our association must reach women on the ground. Decentralization will ensure that those in remote areas, who often face the toughest conditions, also have a voice and access to opportunities.”

She said her leadership will focus on ensuring that women miners are visible in decision-making spaces.

“Too often, women miners are left out of the big policy discussions about mining in Malawi. I want to see our voices included when laws, regulations and investment decisions are made.

Women make up a significant part of the workforce in artisanal and small-scale mining and their input should never be an afterthought,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey to leadership, Simbeye said she sees her election as a symbol of what is possible when women unite around a shared vision. She described MAWIMA not only as a professional platform but also as a community where women miners support and uplift each other.

She said, “this presidency belongs to all women in mining as much as it belongs to me. Together we will shape a future where our contributions are visible, valued, and celebrated. With unity, we can turn our challenges into opportunities and build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive mining sector for all.”

President of the Federation of Women and Youth in Mining (FWYM), Annie Kamanga, called on the newly elected leadership of MAWIMA to prioritize licensing for women miners, strengthen member engagement and advance women’s participation across mining value chains.

“If women miners are given the tools, financing and recognition, we can turn a lot of minerals into both livelihood opportunities and a solution for Malawi’s mining and economic sector,” Kamanga said.

Founded in 2014, MAWIMA is a membership-based organization that represents women in Malawi’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector. The association advocates for better working conditions, provides training and networking opportunities and works to advance the participation of women in the industry.

Lilongwe City Council (LCC) has awarded a K2.56-billion contract for the completion of a 1.4-kilometre tarmac road stretching from Mtsinje Ground to ZBS in Area 24 to FNC Engineering Company

The project, which stalled for some time, has resumed with funding from Malawi Government and is viewed as a critical milestone in the council’s mission to enhance infrastructure and improve the quality of life for Lilongwe City residents.

LCC Director of Engineering Julius Tsogolan said the initiative reflects the council’s broader strategy of developing a well-planned, clean, and safe city with reliable infrastructure and services.

He said the construction project will empower locals through employment opportunities.

“By hiring community members, we are making sure the project goes beyond a new road surface. It creates economic opportunities for residents and reinforces our goal of inclusive development,” Tsogolan said.

FNC Engineering MD Fishan Chikofya assured both the council and the Area 24 community of the project’s durability, citing the company’s proven record in road construction. He said the new road will improve mobility in the area, reduce travel time and promote local commerce.

“The road will not only enhance connectivity but also create a ripple effect of economic growth by linking people to services, businesses and opportunities,” Chikofya said.

Road upgrades are essential in reducing congestion, facilitating trade and laying the foundation for a modern and prosperous city.

The capital city has of late seen a number of road expansion projects, and the notable ones include the expansion of the Saulos Chilima Highway from Old Town to City Centre, Mzimba Street from Kamuzu Centre Hospital Roundabout to Crossroads RoadaAbout and the road from Area 18  Interchange to Kanengo Industrial area which are now a six lane roads.

The Ministry of Mining says the Malawi Mining Cadastral Portal, introduced in 2016 to improve transparency in the licensing of mineral rights, has achieved its purpose of opening up data to the general public.

Acting Director of Mines in the Ministry of Mining Mphatso Chikoti said the cadastral portal has transformed access to mining information that was previously hidden from the public.

“People did not know which areas were free or not when applying for licenses. The portal now provides expiry dates of licenses, ownership details, and the minerals found in each area. These were not available before, but today anyone can view these,” he said.

He explained that the system is updated in real time as officers are always entering new applications or modifying license details.

Chikoti also said the Ministry is aworking on upgrades that will allow applicants to apply for mining licenses online.

However, he admitted that frequent legal reforms have delayed progress as the portal was initially configured under the Mines and Minerals Act of 1981 but later had to be adjusted to align with the 2019 Act, and again with the 2023 Act.

“These changes affected the updating of the portal but it is now underway,” Chikoti said.

Commenting in a separate interview, National coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Kennedy Rashid agreed that the computerized system has improved transparency compared to the previous paper-based system but he expressed concern that the cadestre remains inconsistent hence has not fully met expectations.

“The portal has made licensing data more accessible and reduced secrecy in allocation. But irregular updates, incomplete data, and lack of proactive communication mean it has not fully delivered on accountability,” he said.

Rashid added that public awareness of the portal is very low, particularly at community level.

“There has been little systematic effort by government to train communities or watchdog groups on how to use the platform. Awareness is largely driven by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and international partners. Most affected communities do not know it exists, let alone how to interpret its data,” he said.

Rashid said the portal also faces technical challenges, which include inconsistent updating of information, limited detail on contracts and beneficial ownership and difficulties for ordinary users due to its technical design and poor internet connectivity to rural communities.

He said with these problems, the portal is not yet fully aligned with the provisions of the new mining law, (Mines and Minerals Act of 2023) which emphasizes on transparency in licensing, disclosure of mining contracts, and community participation.

The cadastral portal consists of license maps and status updates. Rashid argued that without integration of contract disclosure and reporting features, the system falls short of the law’s requirements.

He called for various reforms to make the cadastre more effective including regular and comprehensive updates to include mining contracts, environmental management plans and financial payments and also simplifying the user interface and linking the portal with other transparency programmes such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

“Government should organize training sessions for local governments, community representatives, and civil society organizations to build capacity in using and interpreting data. Without this, ordinary citizens cannot use the portal for accountability,” Rashid said.

For Malawi, the mining cadastral portal represents more than technology. It is a test of how far the country is willing to go in making resources management both efficient and accessible.

It is a new era for Malawi. Former President Arthur Peter Mutharika is back in power. Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declared Mutharika, presidential candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  for the 2025 tripartite elections that took place on September 16.

Mutharika emerged winner after scooping 3,035,249 votes representing 56.8%, defeating former President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party who got 1,765,170 votes representing 33.8%.

In his campaign manifesto, Mutharika pledged to do away with all impediments to the growth of the mining industry in Malawi including; inadequate mineral exploration; lack of laboratory and monitoring equipment; inadequate dissemination of information to the general public; gaps in skilled personnel at all levels as well as lack of staff establishment in districts and border posts; and inadequate capacity in contract negotiations.

Mutharika said: “A strength of the industry is that it has available policy and legal mandates such as Mines and Minerals Act, Mines and Minerals Policy, Petroleum Exploration Act, Explosives Act, Artisanal and small-scale mining policy.

“Through this Manifesto, the Democratic Progressive Party government commits to: ring-fence all critical minerals under the State-Owned Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO) and ensure that geophysical surveys shall be undertaken regularly to target mineral exploration for rare earth minerals, precious and base metals, and industrial minerals.”

“We will also put in place the relevant governance and mining legal frameworks and develop the skills that can support high value minerals.” To ensure that there is adequate energy to be used in mining, the DPP leader promised to encourage and facilitate mining companies to generate their own electricity.

Mutharika also promised to formalize and regulate artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) while linking ASMs to appropriate technologies and anchor mining firms. He said: “We will also facilitate both establishment of markets for minerals and value addition in some of the minerals to enable them fetch higher prices on the market.”

“We promise to capitalize the Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO) to the tune of not less than K500-billion to enable it promote the optimal development of the mining sector, properly manage the Government equity stakes in various mining ventures and effectively maximize national revenue and benefits from mining for Malawi.”

Despite its potential to significantly contribute to Malawi’s economic development, the mineral sector is currently encountering numerous challenges hence only caters for a staggering 1% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

While congratulating the newly elected president, Coordinator for Chamber of Mines and Energy Grain Malunga advised the DPP government to facilitate speedy development of the sector to utilize mining revenue for other key sectors. Malunga said the mining sector has high potential of developing the economy hence Government should consider changing Agriculture, Tourism and Mining strategy to Mining, Agriculture and Tourism (MAT).

He said: “First and foremost, the new administration needs to understand that the most sustainable way of promoting development of this country is not to borrow consumption money from multilateral institutions, but to facilitate speedy development of the mining sector and utilise mining revenue for agriculture productivity, health and tourism development.” “Change ATM to MAT because mining has the ability to create wealth for agricultural productivity and tourism development, and manufacturing.”

“ASM subsector requires serious attention especially in gemstone and gold where collaborative efforts are required among exploration companies, government and local councils.”

Malunga also said to ensure that security and peace are not compromised in the sector, there is a need for strong and efficient Mining and Mineral Resources Regulatory Authority and Malawi Mining Investment Company, which have the ability to turn around Malawi’s economic forunes.

In a separate interview, Coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Biswas Ishmael advised the new president to ensure that Malawi has a Community Development Agreement (CDA) template that all mining investments can follow, while simplifying the process for ASM operations and providing the ASMs with necessary support to enable formalization of their activities.

Ishmael emphasized the need to avoid bringing in people from other areas to register as cooperatives in mining districts, while deliberately sidelining the locals engaged in the same activities.

He said for instance locals from Makanjira were promised to be organized and supported to register a cooperative, but the cooperative that was registered for that area is owned by people from other districts.

Ishmael said: “In opaque contracting and licensing, the new president should improve the handling of negotiation, licensing and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) development.”

“The president elect should analyse the beneficial aspect of using the stipulation of the law against a mining development agreements. “Strengthening the recently developed mining company is essential. There is need for substantial and strategic support to be given to the state-owned mining company and ensure that it is participating in the large-scale mining investments.”

“If funds can be realized, even through borrowing to make the company start its own investment, specifically in one of the critical minerals, it can be a good development.”

He also urged Mutharika to create a provision that will collect, guide and track utilization of revenues from the mining sector.   Ishmael also said there is a need for intensifying sensitization or awareness intervention, borrowing a leaf from how the agricultural sector operates.

Large and medium scale mining investors have been complaining of a number of problems that are affecting their operations in Malawi including lack of adequate power and transport infrastructure. and government delays in issuing permits and licences.

The Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga that was relaunched by former President Lazarus Chakwera this year is the only operating large scale mine in the country. Lotus Africa, a subsidiary of ASX-listed Lotus Resources, has reopened the mine after it was mothballed in 2014 by the previous tenement holder Paladin Africa due to low prices of the yellow cake on the global market in light of the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster that resulted in closure of many nuclear plants in so doing knocking down the global demand and prices of uranium. The prices of uranium have improved over the years which has necessitated the opening of the mine.

The other potential projects that are expected to move to production stage in Malawi include Kanyika Niobium in Mzimba, Kasiya Rutile-Graphite in Lilongwe, Songwe Hill Rare Earths in Phalombe, and Kangankunde Rare Earths in Balaka.

Government is expected to roll out the Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) model in order to attract and uplift the youth, women and people with disabilities to take part in the mineral value chain.

In an interview with Mining and Trade Review, Acting Director of Mines in the Ministry of Mining Mphatso Chikoti said the ICE Model is a homegrown land marking tool for the maximization of youth appetite and eventual eminence attainment of the field.

Chikoti said the ICE model will attract young generation with environmental-friendly technologies to venture into the mining sector to promote a key trading element of traceability that will  assist investors and traders with smart deposits location.

He said the ICE model will ensure that trade integrity and sustainable investment as gem sellers are traced to determine selling points and prices too.  

Chikoti said: “The Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship model idea is to ensure that youth, women and people with disabilities are the ones that participate in all mining and minerals value chain including in supply system, transportation, and provision of skilled labour. “

“We need a participative approach towards mining development and investments through application of ICE because as a country, we have potential to scale up revenue sources through mineral exports.”

“It is possible to liberate ourselves from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans. We may be geographically characterized as small but in terms of availability and potential of our mineral resources, we fall in the group of China and Russia.”

Commenting on the development, Founder and Director of Tithandizane Youth Support Organisation operating in Balaka Aubrey Duwa commended the model saying once it comes into play it will help in fulfilling the agendas and projects that the organization is implementing in the district.

Duwa said the organization is currently mobilizing youths operating in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM) to formulize cooperatives which they feel with the coming of ICE model will be easier for them to operate.  

He said: “As Director and a young person from the mining community of Balaka I really support the model because we are doing capacity building for ASMs.”

“We feel that if we formalize ASM groups that the youth have got in Kangankunde, and surrounding areas, they will benefit from the model.

“Our plan is to form mining cooperatives. We are sure that through the cooperatives, the element of entrepreneurship will be embedded in the groups.”

“There is also the element of training the cooperatives on how to add value to the precious minerals as well as how to directly and indirectly market the gemstones to international markets without the use of middlemen to maximize their benefits.”

A female advocate for Youth in Mining Aisha Magula lauded the program but said it will only be beneficial if the government implements what is enshrined in the model.  

Magula said: “The model is a good idea if indeed what is outlined in the model is going to be implemented on the ground because the biggest problem that we, Malawians, have is that we are good at producing documents but we fail to implement practically what has been outlined in those documents.

“But even so I believe that if we make good use of the model practically it is going to address unemployment, provide entrepreneurship and technological skills and will enhance partnership and interdependence between the mining communities, companies and government which will help eradicate poverty among youth and women in our societies.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Mining is at advanced stage in creating a first ever Gold Marketing Board to foster an excellently-structured national marketing system.

ASX-listed Africa-focused resources group Globe Metals & Mining says Malawi’s Mines and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) has it granted a further 12-month extension to commence substantial mining operations at the Kanyika Niobium Project in Mzimba. The new deadline is 27 September 2026.

Under the Mining Development Agreement (MDA) signed with the Government of Malawi in March 2023, Globe was initially required to commence substantial mining operations within eighteen (18) months of execution. The first deadline of 29 September 2024 was extended by twelve (12) months to 27 September 2025.

Globe Metals Interim CEO & CFO Charles Altshuler reports that that on September 26, 2025, Globe received formal written confirmation from MMRA that the MDA remains valid and in full effect, and a further twelve (12) month extension to commence substantial mining operation has been granted.

Past Progress and Plans in the next 12 Months

During the past twelve months, the Company has advanced key preparatory activities to position the project for development, including: • Early contractor engagement and preliminary infrastructure planning.

• Signing of the Community Development Agreement, establishing the Kanyika Development Trust to share benefits with local communities.
• Advancement of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) approval, enabling downstream refinery development at Kanyika.
• Ongoing engagement with potential cornerstone investors and offtake partners which have undertaken multiple site visits and due diligence.

Altshuler, however, states that several conditions remain under the Government’s primary responsibility and are essential before substantial mining operations can commence including: Completion of the 32 km access road from Chatoloma junction to site, delivery of the 17 MW electricity infrastructure. and finalisation of resettlement and compensation for project-affected households.

“While Globe has made progress over the past 12 months, our efforts alone could not satisfy the Government’s commencement conditions in the absence of the above-mentioned critical Government works and community processes,” he says.

He, therefore, explains that accordingly, a 12-month extension has been granted, providing Globe the opportunity to align all parties and advance the project to the stage of substantial mining operations through the following activities:

• Engage with the District Commissioner to commence site-based assessments for resettlement preparation in Quarter 4 2025 – Quarter 1, 2026.
• Complete compensation processes for project-affected people in Quarter 1 – Quarter 2, 2026. 
•  Advance early works and remaining Malawi-based project approvals with contractors. 
• Undertake further community and social development initiatives focusing on compensation planning, resettlement preparation, farming programs, training and labour planning.  

Relocation of affected households by the regulatory authorities in accordance with the approved resettlement framework is expected to take place during Q2 -Q3 2026.

Altshuler says: “We thank the Government of Malawi and the Malawi Mines and Minerals Regulatory Authority for their continued support of the Kanyika Niobium Project. The granting of this extension reflects the collaborative approach between Globe and our host government as we advance the Kanyika Project.”

“Over the past year we have delivered key milestones, including signing the Community Development Agreement, advancing our Export Processing Zone approval, and engaging with potential cornerstone investors and offtake partners.”

“With this extension, we are positioned to complete the resettlement process, progress infrastructure works and deliver community programs in partnership with government and stakeholders.”

“The Kanyika Project represents a once-in-a-generation development for Malawi and a critical contribution to the global supply of niobium. We are proud to advance it responsibly and transparently, in alignment with the Government and all our stakeholders.”

“Globe reaffirms its commitment to progressing the Kanyika Niobium Project in a transparent, responsible, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-aligned manner, consistent with the expectations of the Government of Malawi, MMRA, and local stakeholders.”

ASX-listed resources firm Kula Gold has rolled out exploration work for Niobium and Tantalum at its Wozi Project in Central Malawi, following promising results from a recent soil sampling programme.

The Wozi Niobium Project, located 225 kilometers north of the capital Lilongwe, covers an area of approximately 5.52 square kilometers within the Mozambique Orogenic Belt. The project sits on Precambrian to Lower Palaeozoic basement rocks and hosts niobium mineralisation contained in the mineral pyrochlore within a nepheline syenite stock.

Kula Gold’s MD Ric Dawson said in the statement that the move marks the company’s first major expedition into the critical minerals sector in Malawi.

He said the company has initiated a targeted reverse circulation (RC) drilling programme to quickly assess the site’s potential and define its value.

“Subject to results, we will consider engaging a specialist rare earths partner to support technical development and subsequently seek the best corporate options to add value to Kula’s shareholders,” Dawson said.

He reported that the soil sampling programme involved 238 samples collected along east-west orientated lines at 200-meter intervals, with 50-meter spacing between samples along each line.

The laboratory analysis, conducted by Intertek in Johannesburg, South Africa and Perth in Australia confirmed highly anomalous niobium concentrations along the contact zone of the nepheline syenite stock.

The programme identified a robust +0.4% Nb₂O₅ soil anomaly stretching 1.5 kilometers in strike and averaging 200 meters in width, with a peak value of 1.08% Nb₂O₅. Low tantalum and uranium ratios in the samples suggest the potential for direct reduction to ferro-niobium (FeNb)”.

Kula Gold also reported that the soil sampling results have provided clear drilling targets, with a maiden drilling programme scheduled for November 2025. Field activities will include additional rock-chip and soil sampling as well as mapping to confirm historic niobium and tantalum trenching results.

Dawson said renewed global interest in critical minerals, combined with Wozi’s proximity to other major niobium and rare earth projects in Malawi, encouraged Kula Gold to accelerate its exploration activities.

“Field activities at Wozi are about to get in full swing to progress initial ground truthing. First assays from our trenching are expected this quarter, with the important follow-up maiden drilling to follow soon,” Dawson said.

Wozi project benefits from good road infrastructure and a low-cost location, which will help reduce operational expenses. Historical exploration drilling has not been conducted on the site, meaning the current programme will be the first systematic assessment aimed at defining a potential resource.

While Wozi is now a key focus for Kula, Dawson emphasized that the Mt Palmer Gold Project in Australia remains the company’s core asset.

He described Wozi as “a quick, high-impact value-add potential to our portfolio without diverting significant resources.”

With the successful completion of soil sampling and the upcoming drilling programme, Kula Gold aims to rapidly assess the scale and economic potential of its niobium deposit.

Niobium is a critical mineral used primarily in high-strength steel alloys and emerging technologies, making it a strategic addition to Malawi’s growing portfolio of mineral resources.

Central Malawi is also host to the world’s largest rutile deposit and second largest deposit of natural graphite at Kasiya in Lilongwe.

ASX-listed Sovereign Metals is conducting feasibility studies for the Kasiya-Rutile Project.

The Mining and Mineral Resources Regulatory Authority (MMRA) says the process of installing mining officers at every district will only target those districts where mining activities are taking place.  

In an interview with Mining and Trade Review, Director General for MMRA Samuel Sakhuta said the plan was to decentralize all districts but due to limited resources they will only start with districts experiencing an upsurge in mining activities.

Sakhuta said MMRA will fast track the process following a growing number of issues reaching his desk, which he feels would have been dealt with at district level.

He said: “To enhance collaboration between MMRA and district councils on mining activities within their jurisdictions, the Authority plans to recruit adequate staff to work with district councils.  

“We will collaborate on mining activities to ensure effective regulation and oversight at the local level,” Sakhuta said.

Miners including those in Artisanal Small-scale Mining (ASM) from the mining districts walk long distances to have documents processed at the Department of Mines offices in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu; which necessitates the recruitment of the District Mines Officers.

The officers are also required to address the information gap in rural communities on medium to large scale mining projects in their localities which result in prolonged tension and conflicts between communities and the mining companies.

Commenting on the development, Programs Coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Joy Chabwera said it has been a long time ever since the network started advocating that the Ministry deploys officers in districts.

Chabwera advised the Authority to ensure that it deploys competent officers with strong Public Relations (PR) attributes in the districts to deal with the existing problems.

He said: “This is not new. It has been long overdue. Since 2019 we have been asking the Ministry of Mining to deploy mining officers in the hotspot districts but this never happened till now.”

“For MMRA, we can give them the benefit of a doubt that they are new so perhaps they will deliver to their promises.”

“But here is an advice to them, they should deploy competent technocrats to handle this work not just anybody”

“They should also consider having a strong PRO to be able to respond to queries and share information to communities in areas where mining is taking place.”

Chabwera also urged the Authority to fulfill its promise to ensure that the process is fast tracked since it has been long since government started singing the song.

However, Mining Expert and Geoscientist Ignatius Kamwanje said though the development is a good move, restricting the process to well-known mining districts while sidelining other districts will hinder progress of some projects especially ongoing exploration activities.

Kamwanje, therefore, asked the government to consider pumping more funds to the Authority to ensure that it has the capacity to deploy officers in all districts..

He said: “Sidelining other districts will deny other districts to develop in terms of mining because some districts have ongoing exploration activities only.”

“It will be good to level the ground by establishing offices in all districts.”

“The government should consider pumping more funds to MMRA to cater for such a process.”

A number of districts across the country have unresolved issues between communities and mining companies to do with environmental degradation, land compensation, legal issues, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and health issues. 

ASX-listed Chilwa Minerals says assay results received for the first hole at the Mposa geophysics rare earth elements (REE) anomaly indicate elevated to 1,039ppm Total Rare Earth Ore (TREO) values in clay and sediments and saprolite to depths of up to 80m.

Cadell Buss Founder and MD for Chilwa Minerals explains in a statement that the anomalies, considered potential REE mineralisation targets, were characterised by Thorium, Potassium, magnetic signatures, and zoned intrusive bodies. These targets have undergone ground verification through mapping, soil geochemistry, and rock-chip sampling, with subsequent diamond drilling undertaken for further evaluation.

Buss reports that a total of 1,008m was drilled at six drill holes on the Mposa geophysics anomaly, with drilling moving to the Mpyupyu area in the first week of August.

Analysis was carried out on the entire drill column, including up to 80m of sediment, clay and saprolite above the consolidated bedrock. TREO values are elevated through the entire 80m thick horizon indicating the scale of the REE potential within the Lake Chilwa Basin catchment.

Detrital sediments from metamorphosed country rocks and the later Chilwa Alkaline Province rocks (host rocks to numerous REE deposits including Kangankunde, Songwe Hill, and Tundulu) have infilled the Lake Chilwa Basin over millennia, creating a substantial deposit of lacustrine clays surrounding the lake, as well as the heavy mineral sands deposits being developed by Chilwa on Lake Chilwa’s western shoreline.

With no previous diamond drilling in the immediate vicinity, the Company has assayed the entire stratigraphy, acquiring information on the provenance of sediment deposited in the basin as well as overall understanding of the relationship between the Company’s mineral sands deposits and potential rare earth targets around the lake. A saprolite interval, interpreted from 35m to 82m also carries elevated TREO grades, relative to underlying bedrock.

Buss says although the TREO grades in the sediments and cover may warrant further investigation as an ionic adsorption clay hosted REE deposit, the Company does not plan to conduct leach testing at this time. Instead, the focus remains on identifying Carbonatite-hosted or associated REE deposits, similar to neighbouring projects like Kangankunde.

The initial drilling program for the Mposa anomaly overall has now been completed with a developed brecciation observed at multiple intervals.

Buss, comments: “This update represents yet another significant step for the company - and perhaps the most exciting to date.”

“Since receiving the results of the airborne radiometric survey in 2024, we have been confident that we have identified a substantial critical minerals asset.”

“The importance of our recent HMS announcement, which relates to a ‘rare earth mineral concentrate as a potential by-product’ of the HMS assemblage, has provided the company increased confidence regarding the presence of additional Rare Earth Elements. These results further substantiate our geological analysis.”

“We have now established a systematic exploration drilling process with core logging and sample prep at our dedicated facility in Zalewa and have a clear path ahead with a further 46 geophysics anomalies still to test.”

“The final soil sample results of all 47 targets (30 have been reported and 17 are pending )  once received, will enable us to rank targets by relative prospectivity and guide subsequent future exploration drilling.”

“We are also impressed by results to date at the second target (Mpyupyu) tested with notable fenitisation of rocks, a clear carbonatite signal in rocks near surface, as well as a barite dyke and chalcopyrite mineralisation both indicative of late stage sulphide enriched fluids in a carbonatite related hydrothermal system, and we eagerly await the assay results of this first hole.”