Malawi Government has officially launched its Country Wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Data with an appeal to interested individuals and companies to show interest and begin exploration of minerals available in the country.
Launching the new survey, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka said the Data is now accessible at a nominal fee and ready for use by interested individuals and companies.
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| Bright Msaka |
“I wish to take this opportunity to appeal to the private sector to fully utilize this modern data so as to help our Government in its efforts to realize a modern, efficient and effective mining industry in Malawi.”
He strongly affirm that if efficiently utilized, this airborne geophysical data will truly, prove that Malawi is not poor even though the people may be poor.
He assured that his Ministry “will do everything possible to support investors” so that they get the best return on their investment in the sector.
The event which took place in the Capital City, Lilongwe at Peermont Five Star Hotel’s Bingu International Conference Center was fully packed with interested individuals and companies in mining sector.
The Mining Minister told the gathering that the data which replaces the 1984-85 survey, will greatly enhance the mining profile of Malawi at the same time significantly increase knowledge of the geology.
“The geology and hence full mineral potential of this country is poorly understood.” He said “The lack of background geological information to assist in selecting areas for exploration has hindered meaningful mineral exploration in this country. This can only be improved by acquiring more geological data.”
The Country-wide Airborne Geophysical data launched on Thursday was acquired at more closely spaced flight lines and at low height to achieve the maximum detail.
According to the Minister, this will further reduce the high risks involved in discovering mineral resources at the same time stimulate mineral exploration.
Bright Msaka added that the data generated from the airborne survey is also useful for general infrastructure development.
He further highlighted that the airborne geophysical survey is an integral part of initiatives his Ministry is implementing and include:
Reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act; Reviewing the Mining Fiscal regime; and Reviewing the curriculum in the University especially in mining related programmes in order to produce high quality human resources needed by the mining sector.
He also said government intends to;
Establish a geo-data management centre in order to increase on line access to geoscientific data at Geological Survey Department; Establish a mining cadastre system at Mines Department in order to increase efficiency and transparency in the allocation and management of mineral tenements;
Building capacity in the Environmental Affairs Department to monitor environmental issues resulting from mining activities; and Geological mapping of the country to commence in 2016 with funding from the French Government.
On 6th November, 2013, Malawi launched the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey at a function held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, kicking off a massive search for high value mineral deposits.
This search involved low flying aircrafts hovering over the whole country and the exercise was widely known as ‘Kauniuni.
US$ 5.7 Million was spent in acquiring the airborne data from World Bank’s Mining Governance and Growth Support Project (MGGSP) loan (amounting to US$ 25 million), while European Union co-financed the Project with a Grant amounting to 4.1 million Euros.
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