Malawi8 Mar 2026 18:01
From Department of Mining Mw Facebook page today:
“ Parliamentary Committee Urges Mkango to Expedite Songwe Hill Project
The Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Climate Change has asked Mkango Rare Earths Limited, developers of the Songwe Hill Rare Earth Project in Phalombe, to expedite the project into the production stage so that Malawi can begin benefiting from its mineral resources.
The committee visited the project site to appreciate the progress made since the company was granted an exploration licence.
The Chairperson of the committee, Honourable Tiaone Hendry said the committee is not satisfied with the progress saying there is need to expedite.
“We are not satisfied with the progress so far, so we have urged them to push to be able to reach production stage,” said Hendry.
Presenting a progress report, Mkango Rare Earths Limited Country Director Burton Kapachika said the company has drilled 18 kilometres at Songwe Hill, completing 125 drilling holes in three phases as part of the exploration process.
“Through the mining cycle we are done with exploration, collected samples and did all the necessary studies enabling us to go to the next stage of construction which we also have pre-construction phase,” said Kapachika.
Director of Administration, Andrew Chisamba, speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for the Department of Mining said government remains committed to advancing mining activities especially to flagship projects , that can transform the nation’s economy .
Meanwhile, Director General of the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority Mphatso Chikoti commended the parliamentary committee for visiting the project, saying the visit will help the committee better understand the progress of mining companies and effectively carry out its oversight role.
Familjsa Women Mining Cooperative Society
Parliament of Malawi
Ministry of Energy and Mining-Malawi
Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority
Federation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Malawi”