By Burnett Munthali
Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga is on the path to revival, with resuscitation works progressing steadily and reportedly ahead of the scheduled September 2025 reopening.
Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, recently led a high-profile delegation to inspect the site, accompanied by Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, Janet Banda, and other government officials.
The delegation observed that the ongoing maintenance and restoration works were moving at an impressive pace.
Minister Ng’oma expressed surprise and satisfaction with the level of progress achieved so far.
He stated that he was optimistic that the mine would begin making a positive economic contribution to the country in the coming months.
There have been concerns in some quarters that Malawi may derive limited benefits from the mine due to its 15 percent shareholding.
However, these concerns were addressed by the mine’s Managing Director, Greg Bittar, who clarified that the government stands to gain significantly through various streams.
Bittar explained that despite the 15 percent equity stake, the government will earn over 50 percent in revenue from direct and indirect taxes, royalties, mineral resource rent, and other regulatory fees.
He further revealed that the company intends to recruit up to 600 employees as operations resume.
Of the 600 new recruits, 90 percent will be Malawians, reinforcing the mine’s commitment to local employment.
Additionally, the company plans to train 30 illiterate members of the local community in technical and operational skills.
This training initiative is aimed at equipping them to become part of the permanent workforce at the mine.
The reopening of Kayelekera Uranium Mine is expected to stimulate economic activity in Karonga and contribute significantly to national revenue and job creation.
