By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, May 24, Mana: Lotus Resources Limited, a company that is operating Kayelekera Uranium Mine which is in both Karonga and Chitipa Districts has intensified its efforts to explore more areas in Chitipa District for possible uranium deposits.

Speaking on Friday during an engagement meeting with Chitipa District Executive Committee, Geologist for Lotus Resources Limited, John Mwenelupembe, said that the company wants to have more site with Uranium deposits to feed Kayelekera Plant.

He said that the company’s intention is to explore Uranium at Mchina in Chitipa District.

He added that the Kayelekera Mine has about a 10-year operation span and that the company wants to extend the operation span years, hence the drive to have feeder Uranium deposits spots.

“Kayelekera Mine has about 42.5 million tonnes of Uranium deposits which will be mined for 10 years and we are exploring more areas with possible deposits so that we can extend our operations to about 20 or 30 years,” Mwenelupembe said.

He further said that the mining company has applied to Malawi Government for an Exploration License and consultations with stakeholders in Chitipa District is one of the requirements before they develop an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).

“As we will be starting this ESMP drafting programme and the studies that will be involved, we will be working hand in hand with the Chitipa District Council to ensure that all environmental safeguards and social issues are taken into account,” he said.

Acting Environmental Officer for Chitipa District Council, Kamunkhwala Tembo, commended Lotus Resources Limited for engaging the council on its intention to explore Uranium deposits in the district.

Tembo stated that the Environmental Affairs Department has established guidelines requiring every company planning to undertake mining activities to develop an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for their area of operations.