Akatswiri Mineral Resources is optimistic concerning the potential of its $820 million aluminium manufacturing mission, which may change into a game-changer in Malawi’s industrialisation drive. The firm has concluded a feasibility research for the mining of bauxite deposits within the Mulanje Mountain area, with plans to course of the ore into alumina and in the end smelt it into aluminium, a crucial metallic utilized in varied industries worldwide.

The bauxite deposits, situated on the Linje and Lichenya websites on Mulanje Mountain, are anticipated to yield a big quantity of fabric, with mining targets set at 580,000 metric tons of bauxite yearly. This could be processed into 100,000 metric tons of aluminium every year. At present market costs of $2,600 per ton, this might generate roughly $260 million in annual income, offering a serious enhance to the nation’s financial system.

In an announcement, Hilton Banda, Chairperson of Akatswiri Mineral Resources Group, emphasised the significance of the mission for Malawi’s future. “This is a project with huge potential to change the industrial landscape of our country. Aluminium is a key industrial metal, and we currently import a lot of it. We would prefer to raise the necessary resources locally so that Malawians can fully own this transformative project,” Banda mentioned.

However, the corporate acknowledged that the mission faces vital challenges, together with the necessity for substantial capital funding and a dependable energy provide, as aluminium smelting is energy-intensive. Banda additionally highlighted the significance of conducting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), an important step earlier than shifting ahead.

The bauxite deposits are situated at depths of 10 meters at Linje and 15 meters at Lichenya, with a mean thickness of 4 to five meters, in keeping with the feasibility research.

Mining specialists are urging the federal government to collaborate with the non-public sector to help such strategic initiatives. Grain Malunga, a mining coverage knowledgeable, referred to as the Mulanje Bauxite mission “strategically important” for Malawi, noting that it may present financial advantages by job creation, international trade earnings, and industrial improvement.

Lesley Mkandawire, an economist, echoed these sentiments, recommending that the federal government discover sovereign ensures and search financing from multilateral and bilateral companions to help large-scale industrial initiatives just like the Mulanje aluminium enterprise.

While Akatswiri Mineral Resources stays assured concerning the mission’s future, it’s nonetheless awaiting responses from the Ministry of Mining and the Malawi Mining Authority concerning potential regulatory and coverage help.

The aluminium business is rising quickly on the worldwide stage, and Malawi could possibly be poised to faucet into this enlargement if the Mulanje Bauxite mission succeeds. The firm’s plan to supply high-quality aluminium regionally may scale back Malawi’s dependence on imports whereas additionally contributing to broader industrialisation objectives.

As the mission strikes ahead, the subsequent steps will embrace securing financing, making certain environmental sustainability, and navigating logistical challenges. If profitable, the Mulanje Bauxite mission may considerably enhance Malawi’s financial system, positioning the nation as a key participant within the international aluminium market.

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