General Manager for Kayelekera Uranium Mine owned by Lotus Africa Limited (LAL), Theo Keyter, has revealed that production at the mine will begin in the second half of 2025.
Speaking during the press conference in Karonga Sunday, Keyter said at the moment, Government of Malawi owns 15% of the shares while LAL owns 85% of the shares and there are plans to float some shares on the Malawi Stock Exchange also.
“We will start exploration of minerals mid-2025, and we have not restricted any one nor any local company from investing in our shares.Those who want to are most welcome,” Keyter explained.
Keyter also said that not only will business people benefit but also local people in Karonga will have a share of the cake.
“The company will undertake sustainable development that will continue even if mining stops.
“0.45% gross revenue will go back to the community every year through an account which we are going to open for them. The money will be used for the development works of which the communities will choose to be done.
“This will start the first 12 months of our sales. Lotus believes that the community must be better off because we are there,” he explained.
On her part acting Director of Planning and Development for Karonga District council Khumbo Mkandawire praised the company for adhering to government laws and following a humanitarian approach.
“Following the bottom-up approach on development of communities is very good.
Unlike the previous miners, Lotus goes to the community so that the community can choose the development they want.
“We will also make sure that the Community Development Agreement which they will sign with the communities is done accordingly,” Mkandawire said.
