New areas showing potential mineral deposits have been discovered in Malawi, boosting opportunities to develop the country’s mining industry, attract investors and diversify the country’s agriculture-based economy, according to a statement by the World Bank.
The potential mineral deposit discovery comes at the end of a year-long geophysical survey co-financed by the World Bank and the European Union through the Bank’s Mining Governance and Growth Support Project 2011-2017. The survey has produced high-resolution data that provides insight into the country’s mineral potential which will continue to be explored.
“The data show there is more below the surface which demands follow-up work,” said Jalf Salima, director of the government’s geological survey department.
During the recent launch of the survey results, Salima cited several formations in Malawi that were similar to those of other neighbouring countries, which could signal mining opportunities for Malawi. The Kasungu Dyke has similar qualities to those of the Great Dyke Zimbabwe, which has a number of important metals. Southern Malawi’s Lower Shire Basin has coal deposits which could be linked to Moatize, a coal-mining area in Mozambique.
