Malawi extremely resource rich—survey
Government on Thursday launched the nationwide high resolution airborne geographical survey data in Lilongwe, which has revealed that the country is sitting on ‘extremely’ vast reservoir of minerals.
The launch follows an airborne geophysical survey involving magnetic, radiometric and gravity methods which was conducted between September 2013 and August 2014.
The launch of the survey results means the data acquisition and processing phase of the survey has been successfully accomplished and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining is now in custody of the data.
Minister responsible Bright Msaka, speaking during the launch, said the data generated from the survey is now available to be accessed by interested individuals and companies.
Said Msaka: “The survey shows that Malawi is extremely mineral rich and now it is up to the explorers to confirm the mineral deposits and I have no doubt that we have the most precious minerals that other countries have.”
He declined to name the minerals that have been earmarked by the survey saying it is now the duty of interested investors to explore the minerals using the modern data available at his ministry.
Msaka said the lack of background geographical information to assist in selecting areas for exploration has thus far hindered meaningful mineral exploration in Malawi.
A similar but low resolution airborne geographical data was acquired in the 1980s.
And Msaka said unlike the current survey, the data acquired 30 years ago lacked enough detail.
“Further, advanced technology has made it possible for us to acquire high quality and more accurate data that we could 30 years ago,” added the minister.
He said the data launched will reduce needless speculation and the high risks involved in discovering mineral resources.
According to the minister, the data will in turn help stimulate mineral exploration and lead to more mineral discoveries including those that are deep underground.
In his presentation earlier, director of Geological Survey Jalf Salima challenged private sector players and all other interested investors to make serious follow ups on the newly generated data from the survey.
The survey was a component under the Mining Governance and Growth Project (MGGP) with support from the World Bank and the European Union (EU). n
And you keep the findings of the Geo-Physical survey a secret? Whats wrong in knowing that Balaka has fuel reserves for example? You want to hide it from the public so that you secretly strike deals with mining companies! Cry my beloved, resource-rich Malawi!