Mining
Globe reports progress on Kanyika Niobium Project
December 17, 2025 / Marcel Chimwala
Globe Metals signed a CDA for Kanyika Project
Globe Metals and Mining, which is pursuing the Kanyika Niobium Project in Mzimba, says it has registered solid operational, regulatory, and financial progress, positioning the Company for the next phase of development of the Project.
The Company says in its quarterly activities report for the quarter ended September 2025 that the period marked a significant advancement in de-risking and progressing the Kanyika Niobium Project, strengthening Globe’s capital base, regulatory position, and strategic importance in the global critical minerals supply chain.
Globe’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Charles Altshuler, commented: “During this quarter, we demonstrated continuous progress across Globe’s operational, regulatory, and funding fronts. The Mining Development Agreement (MDA) extension provides the certainty needed to complete key infrastructure and resettlement milestones, while the expansion of our mining licence underscores Kanyika’s increasing relevance in the global critical minerals landscape.”
“The successful completion of Tranche 1 and the loan conversions after the quarter have materially strengthened our balance sheet and demonstrated continued support from our strategic investors. We are now poised to enter the next development phase with a cleaner capital structure, a broader resource base, and stronger relationships with government, community, and funding partners.”
The recognition of niobium as a top-ten strategic mineral by U.S. Geological Survey, with an associated potential economic impact of US$10 billion under supply chain disruptions, highlights both the importance and the opportunity inherent in the Kanyika project. Globe remains committed to advancing the Project responsibly, efficiently, aligning closely with Malawi’s national development priorities.”
Project and Permitting Update
During the quarter, the Company received confirmation from MMRA that the MDA for the Kanyika Niobium Project remains valid and in full effect. The MMRA granted a 12-month extension for the commencement of substantial mining operations by September 27, 2026.
This extension follows collaborative efforts with the Government of Malawi to synchronize key development activities with national infrastructure delivery schedules. Over the past year, Globe has advanced various preparatory milestones, including early contractor engagement, infrastructure planning, and formalisation of the Community Development Agreement (CDA), which establishes the Kanyika Development Trust for local benefit sharing.
The extension period will enable the Company to finalise critical activities with the government agencies, including completion of the 32-km access road from Chatoloma Junction to site, advancing the 17-MW grid power connection, and implementing the resettlement and compensation program for affected households. Globe is working closely with the District Commissioner and community leaders to synchronize these processes with pre-construction and early works.
In the next 12 months, Globe’s focus will shift to resettlement preparations, site-based assessments, and advancing early works and permitting activities vital for full construction readiness. The Company continues to work transparently with regulators, communities, and investors to ensure that the Project progresses toward substantial mining operations in a responsible and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aligned manner.
Licence Expansion and Critical Minerals Diversification
During the quarter, Globe received formal approval from the MMRA for an amendment to Large-Scale Mining Licence for the Kanyika Niobium Project. The amendment extends the licence scope beyond niobium, tantalum, and uranium to include zircon, hafnium, neodymium, and praseodymium — four high value critical minerals with strong strategic relevance to global clean energy and advanced materials markets.
This regulatory approval enhances the long-term development potential of the Project and ensures all future production of these minerals will occur under a fully compliant, government-endorsed framework. It also aligns the Project with the broader priorities of Malawi’s Vision 2063, which seeks to establish the country as a regional hub for critical mineral production and processing.
Each of the newly included minerals offers unique commercial and strategic advantages:
- Zircon: Used in ceramics and advanced refractories, it can be recovered as a by-product of niobium and tantalum processing, bringing additional revenue with minimal capital investment.
- Hafnium: A rare and ultra-high-value metal used in aerospace superalloys and nuclear control rods, representing a potential long-term opportunity for Globe as global demand outpaces supply.
- Neodymium and praseodymium : Essential for high-performance permanent magnets used in EVs and wind turbines, reinforcing the Project’s exposure to the fast-growing green-energy and electrification sectors.
Community, ESG and Leadership
During the quarter, Globe strengthened its in-country leadership with the appointment of Dr. Joseph Mkandawire to the Board of its Malawian subsidiary, Globe Metals & Mining Africa Limited. Dr. Mkandawire is the former Principal Secretary of Malawi’s Ministry of Mining, his extensive experience in government and policy will support the Company’s community, regulatory, and national development alignment.
Strategic Update and BFS Progress
During the quarter, the Company continued the engineering optimisation, Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) engagement, and funding strategy workstreams outlined in the June quarter report. These activities advanced as planned, with further refinement of project scope, cost estimates, and partner engagement.
Having already detailed the ECI model and associated design improvements in the previous update, the Company’s focus this quarter has been on updating contractor input, integrating updated market data into the BFS, and progressing partner due diligence ahead of the Final Investment Decision (FID). These ongoing efforts maintain Globe’s strong strategic position and ensure that the Kanyika Niobium Project remains aligned with market demand, ESG expectations, and financing readiness.
The Company will release the BFS at a strategically aligned time following these partnership and procurement negotiations. While no binding EPC or construction contracts are yet in place, this early engagement is expected to significantly de-risk the project execution phase.
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The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
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