Malawi has given the nod to Africa’s first niobium mine.
Mining Weekly reports that the country has approved the Mining Development Agreement for the Kanyika niobium mine in central Malawi. It will be the world’s fourth niobium mine and the first to produce niobium in half a century.
Niobium, while sometimes used in stainless steel, can also optimise the performance of lithium ion batteries that power electric vehicles.
The mine owner, Globe Metals and Mining, is expected to invest at least US$200 million to develop the mine once feasibility studies are complete.
The next step is to generate a 10 ton sample for crushing, grinding and floatation tests, producing concentrate for a pilot plant.
According to Mining Technology, the mine, over its 23-year lifespan, is expected to produce 260 000 tons of niobium and tantalum concentrate, at about 11 300 tons a year
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