Paul Smith, the chief operating officer of Globe Metals & Mining Ltd, recently shared updates on the company’s Kanyika project in Malawi, emphasizing its significance as the first major niobium project in half a century.

Renowned for its integration of mining, concentration, and refining processes within Malawi, the Kanyika project has demonstrated remarkable achievements in niobium recovery through chlorination refining. This eco-friendly method, favored over conventional acid treatments due to its environmental advantages and reduced energy consumption, also facilitates the extraction of valuable rare earth elements as by-products, enhancing the project’s economic viability.

A pivotal milestone in this endeavor is the imminent completion of a lab-scale pilot plant, scheduled to become operational by April. This advancement marks a significant step forward, enabling the production of marketing samples for potential off-takers across Europe, Japan, and North America. Such progress is vital for securing lucrative off-take agreements and advancing towards the commercialization of niobium and tantalum concentrates.

To optimize efficiency and minimize initial costs and shareholder dilution, the project follows a phased development strategy. Moreover, the company is actively exploring structured financing options to support its continued advancement.