The country’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (AERA) has approved uranium mining and processing at Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga which is run by Lotus Resources Limited.
In a statement, Lotus Resources managing director Greg Bittar said the development represents one of the final remaining milestones to restarting uranium production at Kayelekera, which is on track for the third quarter of this year.
He said the authority’s review and assessment of Lotus’ submitted documentation, including the evaluation of the provisional mine closure plan, has been deemed satisfactory.
Said Bittar: “Securing AERA’s radiation licence authorisation was one of two remaining key regulatory milestones in advance of the restart of Kayelekera, which remains on track for the third quarter of 2025.
“We are pleased that this authorisation has now been received. We look forward to working with the authority once operations recommence and ensuring an ongoing safe and secure operation for our onsite team, the local communities and the environment.”
He added that following submission of the final environmental social impact assessment in early April, the company continues to work with the Malawi Environment Protection Agency (Mepa) to ensure this remaining milestone is achieved.
“As part of the approval process, Mepa conducted a visit to Kayelekera on April 24 2025 and is now working towards finalising its assessment of the environment social impact assessment,” he added.
The development comes after Lotus Resources Limited revealed recently that uranium from Malawi’s Kayelekera Mine in Karonga has been exempted from tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump.
National Working Group on Trade and Policy chairperson Frederick Changaya said for a country that is struggling in terms of trade, the exemption is a good relief.
In February this year, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola-Banda said the government is implementing transparent licensing processes, establishing legal frameworks that enforce fair partnerships, and strengthening institutional capacity through the Malawi Mining Authority.
