Malawi’s Economic Horizon Expands: Kanyika Niobium Exports to Ignite Growth by 2028
Key Business Points
- Globe Metals and Mining expects first production from the Kanyika Niobium Project in January 2028, with community relocation scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, marking a significant milestone for Malawi’s mining sector.
- The project’s phased approach aims to reduce capital risk, accelerate cash flow, and allow for market absorption of early volumes, with Phase One delivering about one-third of full processing capacity using a solar-diesel hybrid power system.
- The company has secured a non-binding off-take agreement with Neo Performance Materials Inc for all Phase One niobium production, which is expected to support the feasibility study and attract funding for the project, highlighting the growing demand for niobium in defence and battery technologies.
As Malawi’s business community looks to the future, the Kanyika Niobium Project is poised to play a significant role in the country’s economic growth. With Globe Metals and Mining at the helm, the project is expected to become the first major non-Brazilian niobium producer in over 50 years, capitalizing on the "ufatsi waukulu" (great opportunity) presented by the growing demand for niobium in aerospace, defence, batteries, and advanced manufacturing. The project’s timeline is anchored on the completion of its Bankable Feasibility Study, expected by March this year, with the first phase of relocation planned for May.
The company’s decision to adopt a phased approach is a "nkhaza yofunika" (wise move) that reduces capital risk, accelerates cash flow, and allows for market absorption of early volumes. Phase Two, planned for April 2029, is expected to scale production to between 3 000 and 3 300 tonnes of niobium pentoxide and 150 to 160 tonnes of tantalum pentoxide annually. At full capacity, Kanyika is expected to produce an average of about 3 267MT of niobium pentoxide annually, making it a significant contributor to Malawi’s mining sector.
The recent non-binding off-take agreement with Neo Performance Materials Inc is a major coup for the project, securing a buyer for all Phase One niobium production. This agreement is expected to support the feasibility study and attract funding for the project, which is a "kuzipatula kwa tsogolo" (key to the future) for Malawi’s economic development. According to geologist and mining consultant Ignatius Kamwanje, the agreement will help attract funding and described Kanyika as a globally significant project, highlighting the growing demand for niobium in defence and battery technologies. As the project moves forward, it is clear that Kanyika has the potential to be a game-changer for Malawi’s economy, and businesses should be taking note of the opportunities that this project presents.
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