By: Creamer media

The ESIA seeks to ensure that adequate and early information is obtained on any likely environmental impacts and on measures to mitigate these impacts.

The approval is subject to compliance with all of the measures outlined in the environmental and social management plan of the ESIA report, all other relevant legislation applicable to the Project and conditions to be outlined in the ESIA certificate.

This approval provides a clear regulatory pathway for the restart of uranium production at Kayelekera in the third quarter, with the focus now on finalising preparations for the restart.

“We have been working very constructively with the MEPA and we are very pleased that this approval, a critical milestone, has now been received. We look forward to working with the MEPA to finalise issuing of the ESIA certificate for the restart of Kayelekera production.

"We thank the MEPA and, more broadly, the government of Malawi for its strong ongoing support. We will continue to work closely with the MEPA and all stakeholders as Kayelekera operations recommence. Our top priority is to provide an ongoing safe and secure operation for our onsite team, the local communities and the environment,” says Lotus MD Greg Bittar. 

Kayelekera is expected to produce about 2.4-million pounds a year of uranium octoxide over the first seven years of its ten-year mine life.