By Linda Moyo
Malawi is on the brink of an economic revolution, with the mining sector emerging as a key player in unlocking the nation’s potential.
The discovery and exploration of valuable minerals like rutile in Kasiya, Lilongwe, could transform the country’s fortunes, paving the way for sustainable growth and community development.
Speaking during a visit to Sovereign Services Limited, where exploration activities are underway to extract rutile, Principal Mining Engineer in the Ministry of Mining, Regina kakwera stated that the work being done in Kasiya, Lilongwe, demonstrates how mining can transform the country if proper investments are made.
She said the purpose of bringing in exploration companies in the country is a step forward to have minerals being identified and extracted so that the country make profits which is inline with the government’s Agriculture Tourism and Mining ( ATM) strategy.
Project Geologists at Sovereign Services Limited, Reidwel Nyirenda said the company reported significant progress in its exploration efforts. They excavated to a depth of 20 meters to determine the quantity of rutile and graphite present in the soil.
“We are calling this a success, not only because we identified minerals, but also because we tested the mining methods we intend to use in Kasiya. Both excavation and hydro-mining proved to be effective for us,” said Nyirenda.Additionally, the company tested its land rehabilitation methods to ensure the land can be restored for farming after mining activities.
“We are pleased to report that the rehabilitation was successful, and crops are already growing on the restored land,” he explained.
Sovereign Services Limited also has a laboratory in Malawi where soil samples are analysed to determine the quantity and quality of rutile.
Rutile is a key mineral with a variety of industrial applications. It is primarily used as a source of titanium dioxide, a crucial ingredient in the production of pigments for paints, plastics, and paper.
Additionally, rutile is used in the manufacture of welding rods, aircraft components, car batteries, and sunscreen, due to its high refractive index and resistance to corrosion.
The Laboratory Manager at Sovereign Services Limited, Tupoche Kayange, emphasised the importance of the laboratory in expediting mineral analysis.
“This laboratory is the only way we can obtain timely results, as sending samples outside the country takes time and involves tedious logistics,” Kayange stated.She further added that the laboratory is also helping young Malawian students from higher education institutions, such as the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), gain hands-on experience by using sophisticated mineral processing machines.
The mining activities in Kasiya have significantly impacted the local community. Mtendere Mchimkoko from Matekwe Village , a local resident and beneficiary of the project, shared how the initiative has improved their lives.
“A lot of people from our area are working at this site, which has greatly improved our livelihoods. Beyond employment, we’ve also received training in conservation farming,” Chimkoko said.
He further highlighted that Sovereign Services Limited is supporting the local community by providing school fees bursaries for secondary and tertiary students, as well as offering essential supplies to primary school learners.
The company is expected to commence mining activities in Kasiya within the next two to five years, once exploration works are completed.
