Mkango Resources Limited will open a rare earth metals factory at its mining site in Phalombe, a development that will complete in 2022.

The above was announced as Minister of Mining, Rashid Gafar, visited the site as Mkango Resources Country Director, Burton Kachinjika, said they are currently conducting a bankable feasibility study which will be completed in December 2021.

On the other hand, Gaffar said the government will start revoking mining licences from companies that have stayed idle for five years or more. The minister outlined that people buy a site endowed with mineral resources, leave it idle and be selling it when Malawians are not benefiting from such. “I cannot disclose the cut-off point but we are reviewing all licences and those that have been idle for so long, we will revoke their licences,” said the minister.