Mining operations at the Kayelekera uranium site are expected to restart by early August, as final preparations near completion, according to government officials and company representatives.

The announcement was made following a meeting between Minister of Mining, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, and Michael Bowen, Chairman of Australian-listed Lotus Resources Limited, which owns the mine.

Located in Karonga District, the Kayelekera mine was acquired by Lotus Resources in 2024 after taking over from Paladin Africa. The company has since secured the necessary mining licence and is now in the final stages of commissioning the project.

“The company prioritises the employment of women and young people,” Mr Bowen said, noting that over 90% of its current workforce consists of Malawians.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to long-term operations in the country.

Minister Ng’oma welcomed the progress and urged the company to ensure local communities benefit from the project.

“We want mining to be inclusive,” he said. “It is important that the people surrounding Kayelekera feel the positive impact of this development through jobs, infrastructure, and social investment.”

The minister also praised President Lazarus Chakwera’s efforts to promote the mining sector through the government’s Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) strategy, citing growing international interest from Australia, China, the UAE, and Kuwait.

Kayelekera is expected to become a major contributor to Malawi’s export earnings and local employment, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond agriculture.

Lotus Resources says preparations are advancing rapidly and expects to begin mining within weeks.