Firm moves to explore lithium, other minerals

Green Explorations Limited has expressed interest to start exploring lithium and other minerals, including rare earth elements, beryl, tantaline, copper, gold, uranium and niobium in Paramount Chief Kyungu in Karonga District.

Speaking in an interview after addressing Karonga District Environmental Sub-Committee, the firm’s geologist Madalitso Mkabiza said the exploration will involve activities that will provide enough information on the mineral deposits in the area.

“We have set aside $1.5 million [about K2.5 billion] for exploration works in this area. We will contract local and international geo-experts who will do a number of activities, including geological mapping, rock chip and soil sampling,” he said.

Mkabiza said the firm is aware of the negative effects of exploration activities and will endeavour not to disturb the environment or unnecessarily cut down trees in the course of the project.

In a separate interview, Karonga District Council acting director of planning and development Khumbo Mkandawire commended Green Exploration Limited for involving the council through its District Environmental Sub Committee before embarking on the activities.

“We believe that once they develop their Environmental Social Management Plan through the guidance of District Environmental Sub Committee members’ contributions, they will give us feedback for a way forward,” he said.

Lithium is the lightest metal and the least dense solid element commonly used to make lithium batteries.

Lithium and lithium-ion batteries have a wide range of uses in various electronic gadgets including cameras, mobile phones, golf carts, tablets, pace- makers, watches and mobility scooters.