Malawi Government says a lot needs to be done for the Kanyika Niobium Mine (KNB) to start operating.
Director of Mines Charles Mphwiyo made the disclosure in an interview on Tuesday after he was asked to comment on the progress of the mine.
“We are still negotiating on proposals from each side (government and mining company). So, the process is still going on,” said Mphwiyo.
The mining company is also yet to carry out the environmental impact assessment of the area, which is crucial for mining, according to Mphwiyo.
“And after all this is done and government is convinced, then it is now up to the mining company whether to start mining or not,” narrated Mphwiyo.
Chris Ngwena, Kanyika Definitive Feasibility Study country manager said Tuesday, the study was done and submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs.
He said his company only made a proposal to government to mine niobium.
Ngwena, however, dismissed compensation claims, saying everything was done orderly.
