Ministry of Mining-Malawi

03/08/2026

Mining Minister calls for stronger local investing in mining

Minister of Mining, Honourable Thoko Tembo, MP, has emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between Government and the private sector, describing investment as a critical pillar in unlocking Malawi's mining potential and driving the country's economic transformation.

Speaking during an engagement meeting with NICO Group, Honourable Tembo said the mining sector cannot thrive without investment, noting that local investors have a vital role to play in developing the industry.

"As a country, we cannot talk about mining without talking about investment because investors are a key pillar of the sector. Mining is capital intensive, and investment is crucial to the growth of the industry," said Tembo.

The Minister said Government is committed to working with strategic partners to ensure the mining sector delivers benefits for all stakeholders.

"We should partner and ensure that we move forward together to achieve the dreams of the sector so that everyone benefits, the Government, Malawians and the private sector," he said.

During the meeting, NICO Group Managing Director, Vizenge Kumwenda, made a presentation reaffirming the Group's commitment to supporting the Government's development agenda through strategic investments and partnerships.

He also outlined the Group's financial capacity to support transformative mining projects aligned with the Malawi 2063 Agenda.

The engagement underscores the Ministry of Mining's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with local investors to promote value addition, mobilise investment and accelerate the sustainable development of Malawi's mining sector.

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31/07/2026

Meet Josephine Chinkombero, a dedicated Plant Operator at ZALCO Miners whose 18 years of experience operating heavy machinery is helping shape Malawi's mining industry.

From forklifts to excavators and other heavy equipment, Josephine's journey demonstrates that mining offers opportunities for everyone with the skills, determination, and passion to succeed.

As the Ministry of Mining continues to promote an inclusive and equitable mining sector, stories like Josephine's inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in mining and contribute to Malawi's socio-economic development.

Watch this inspiring story of resilience, professionalism, and excellence in action.
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https://youtu.be/RAp0sC9I54E?si=2ML8ug3WMGT3yVa3

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Meet Josephine Chinkombero, a dedicated Plant Operator at ZALCO Min...

31/07/2026

Highlights | Hon. Thoko Tembo’s Visit to Portland Cement Factory, Balaka.

Watch the highlights of the Minister of Mining, Hon. Thoko Tembo, MP’s visit to the Portland Cement Factory in Balaka, where he toured the facility and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to value addition, industrialisation, and sustainable investment.

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The Minister of mining, Hon. Thoko Tembo, MP, paid a visit to the ...

29/07/2026

Malawi, Germany explore enhanced cooperation in mining

A courtesy call by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany , Her Excellency Ute König, to the Ministry of Mining has underscored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Malawi and Germany in the development of the country’s mining sector.

Speaking during the meeting, Minister of Mining, Honourable Thoko Tembo, MP, described mining as a key driver of Malawi’s economic transformation under the Malawi 2063 Agenda.

He called for greater collaboration in critical minerals development, value addition, geological mapping and skills development.

Honourable Tembo said Malawi values its longstanding bilateral relations with Germany and appreciated the country’s continued support in governance, education, renewable energy and private sector development.

He added that Government has undertaken significant reforms to create a modern, transparent and competitive mining sector that attracts responsible investment.

German Ambassador to Malawi, Her Excellency Ute König, said mining remains a priority for Germany as global demand for rare earth minerals continues to grow.

She noted that Malawi’s abundant rare earth deposits present significant opportunities for foreign exchange generation, job creation and increased investment in the country’s mining sector.

The courtesy call provided an opportunity for the two sides to discuss issues of mutual interest, including investment and enhanced cooperation in Malawi’s mining industry.

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28/07/2026

Watch the highlights of the visit by the Minister of Mining, Hon. Thoko Tembo, MP, to the Songwe Hill Rare Earths Project in Phalombe District.

The Minister received a project briefing in Blantyre at Ryalls Hotel before touring the Songwe Hill exploration site in Phalombe.

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21/07/2026

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21/07/2026

Malawi, Australia deepen mining cooperation

Mining cooperation and investment opportunities topped discussions when Minister of Mining, Honourable Thoko Tembo, MP, met Australian High Commissioner to Malawi, Her Excellency Minoli Perera, at the Ministry of Mining headquarters in Lilongwe.

Honourable Tembo said Australia is a key investment partner, with Australian companies leading major mining projects such as Kayelekera Uranium, Kasiya Rutile and Graphite, Kanyika Niobium, and Kangankunde Rare Earths.

He also highlighted Government’s efforts to create a competitive investment environment through strengthening legislation, while seeking Australia’s support in skills development, investment promotion, environmental and social governance, and critical minerals value chains.

High Commissioner Perera said Malawi and Australia share strong historical ties and similar economic foundations in agriculture and mining.

She reaffirmed Australia’s continued support through scholarship programmes, mining governance, and policy development.

She further emphasized that the Australian Government expects Australian companies operating in Malawi to uphold high standards and comply with both Australian and Malawian laws.

She said Australia is ready to support Malawi’s efforts to secure better mining deals and invited the Ministry to identify priority areas where further Australian assistance would be beneficial.

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20/07/2026

Mining Minister tours Portland Cement Balaka factory

As the Ministry of Mining continues to work closely with investors to unlock the full potential of Malawi’s mining sector, Minister of Mining, Honourable Thoko Tembo, MP, on Monday visited the Portland Cement Balaka Factory to appreciate its operations and economic contribution.

Speaking during the visit ,Honourable Tembo said the Ministry is promoting an open door policy that encourages dialogue with stakeholders to resolve challenges affecting the sector.

“We are encouraging an open policy. We are working in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that where there are challenges or areas requiring support, we work together to find solutions,” he said.

The Minister commended Portland Cement Limited for contributing to national development by helping stabilize cement prices, creating jobs and supporting surrounding communities.

“The price of cement has stabilized at a lower level, which is vital for building the nation,” said Mining Minister.

Highlighting the key benefits of the Portland Cement Balaka factory to Malawi, Portland Cement Chief Executive Officer Jianguo Alex Liu said Government collects approximately MK35 billion annually in tax revenue and MK1 billion in mining royalties.

Liu added that the factory generates about US$15 million in foreign exchange annually through cement exports to Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

During the visit, the Minister toured the cement processing plant and the mining area, where he appreciated the company’s operations.

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19/07/2026

SONGWE HILL RARE EARTHS PROJECT ADVANCES TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT

Minister of Mining, Honourable Thoko Tembo, MP, says the Songwe Hill Rare Earths Project in Phalombe has made significant progress, with exploration and research activities nearing completion, positioning it as one of Malawi’s most promising mining investments.

Speaking after touring the project site on Saturday, Honourable Tembo said the Government remains committed to putting in place the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the project’s implementation.

“ As you are aware, there is a moratorium on the issuance of mining licences. The Ministry is working hard to ensure the right regulations and legislation are in place so that both Government and mining investors are guided by the law,” he said.

The Minister said the project is strategic to Malawi’s mining sector because it will promote mineral beneficiation and value addition, creating jobs and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

President of Mkango Resources, Alex Lemon, said the project has reached an advanced stage, with exploration completed and the revised feasibility study technical report published.

“We are now awaiting the issuance of the mining licence while progressing with the Front End Engineering Design (FEED), the final stage of optimisation before construction begins.

“This project is a game changer. We will be undertaking value addition here at Songwe in Phalombe, ensuring that Malawi benefits more from its rare earth resources,” said Lemon.

Speaking earlier, Traditional Authority Mkhumba, speaking on behalf of Paramount Chief Kaduya, said the Songwe Hill Rare Earths Project has the potential to transform not only Phalombe District but the entire nation of Malawi.

She said the local community is eager for the project to move into the construction phase so that they can begin to realise the anticipated economic and social benefits.

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19/07/2026

Mining Minister Briefed on Expected Economic Benefits of Songwe Hill Rare Earths Project

Minister of Mining, Honourable Thoko Tembo, MP, has been briefed on the projected economic and social benefits that the Songwe Hill Rare Earths Project is expected to deliver to Malawi once the mine becomes operational.

The briefing, presented by Mkango Resources President, Alexander Lemon, provided an overview of the project, its development status and the anticipated contribution it will make to Malawi’s economy over its projected mine life.

According to the presentation, the Songwe Hill Rare Earths Project is expected to generate approximately US$1.91 billion in total benefits to the nation.

Of this amount, Government is projected to receive US$1.23 billion through corporate income tax, royalties and dividends arising from its 10 percent equity participation in the project.

Alex also highlighted the project’s potential to create employment and stimulate local economic growth.

The briefing will be followed by a tour of the project site, where the Minister will appreciate the area designated for the development and operation of the Songwe Hill Rare Earths Mine.

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