Mining Minister Dr. Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma Pushes to Revitalize Kayelekera Mine, Boost Economic Growth

By Durell Namasani

Minister of Mining, Dr. Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, has intensified efforts to fast-track mining operations at the Kayelekera Uranium Mine, operated by Australian firm Lotus Resources, as part of a strategic push to harness the sector’s potential for economic transformation. The Minister’s engagement with stakeholders underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging mining as a pillar of the Malawi 2063 vision, which aims to transition the country into a middle-income economy . 

During recent visits to Kayelekera, Ng’oma emphasized the need to expedite the mine’s restart, targeting production by Q3 2025. The project, poised to generate 19.3 million pounds of uranium over a decade, is expected to significantly boost exports and GDP contributions. Currently, mining contributes just 1% to Malawi’s GDP, but the government aims to raise this to 10% by 2063 through projects like Kayelekera and the Kangankunde rare earths initiative . 

Key objectives include: 
– Economic Growth: Uranium exports could generate up to $30 billion by 2040, per World Bank projections . 
– Job Creation: The mine’s revival will create local employment, though disparities in wages between expatriate and Malawian workers remain a concern . 
– Revenue Generation: The government seeks to renegotiate equitable royalties and tax frameworks, addressing past criticisms of lopsided agreements . 

Challenges persist, including community concerns over environmental impacts and calls for transparent benefit-sharing. Ng’oma has pledged to prioritize local engagement and sustainable practices, aligning with global decarbonization trends, such as Lotus’s plan to connect Kayelekera to Malawi’s hydro-powered grid . 

The Minister’s proactive stance reflects Malawi’s broader strategy to attract ethical investment while ensuring minerals translate into tangible national development .