By: Ecofin agency

Niobium, widely used in steelmaking, is increasingly in demand for electronics and aerospace because of its corrosion resistance. Brazil supplies 90% of global demand, but Africa is emerging as a potential source.

Australia-based junior miner Kula Gold said it will launch its first drilling program at the Wozi niobium project in Malawi in November. The company disclosed the plan in a September 25 statement, a few months after securing an exploration license.

The permit allowed Kula to conduct mapping and sampling work, which revealed a “strong niobium anomaly” at Wozi, with grades reaching 1.08% Nb₂O₅. The company said it will use the full analysis of the results to design the drilling program.

Kula said it plans to “bring in a partner specialized in rare earths to support the project’s technical development.” The company did not disclose the investment needed for the campaign. However, the announcement follows Kula’s statement earlier this week that it aims to raise A$2.5 million ($1.6 million) to strengthen its working capital.

The launch of drilling at Wozi will mark a milestone for the project, initiating large-scale exploration for a metal critical to both steelmaking and aerospace. The program represents the first step in developing a potential mine.

Beyond Wozi, other niobium ventures are progressing in Africa. In Malawi, Australia’s Globe Metals & Mining is advancing the Kanyika project, expected to become the continent’s first industrial niobium mine. In Tanzania, Cradle Resources and Tremont Investments are developing the Panda Hill deposit.