First Blast Marks Major Milestone at Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Malawi

Lotus Resources has reached a significant operational milestone with the successful completion of the first mining blast at the open pit of the Kayelekera uranium mine in Malawi. This event marks the formal commencement of active mining, following the restart of uranium production in August 2025. Until now, the operation had relied solely on processing high grade stockpiled ore, but the introduction of newly mined run of mine ore represents an important shift toward a fully integrated production workflow. This development signals the beginning of a more consistent and sustainable feed strategy as the mine advances toward its long term output objectives.

In the coming weeks, freshly mined ore will be delivered to the run of mine pad, where it will be blended with the existing stockpiled material. The stockpiles, which have been performing above expectations due to higher than anticipated uranium grades, will continue to provide a robust foundation for processing operations. The addition of fresh ore is expected to further enhance plant performance by improving feed consistency and allowing for increased throughput. This combined ore supply is central to Lotus Resources' strategy to ramp up production steadily over the next several months.

The company is targeting a steady state production level of 200,000 pounds of U3O8 per month by the first quarter of 2026, a goal supported by continuous improvements in mining, processing, and logistical coordination. An important parallel development is the progress in product accreditation with major western uranium converters. Samples from Kayelekera have already been received by converters in the United States, Canada, and France, marking a crucial step toward securing future sales channels and meeting the stringent quality requirements of the global nuclear fuel market. Managing Director Greg Bittar has emphasized that the commencement of drill and blast operations is a pivotal enabling factor for achieving these objectives.

The transition to incorporating fresh ore into the production circuit carries positive implications for Malawi’s mining sector and the broader regional uranium industry. As Kayelekera moves toward full scale production, it reinforces the country’s position as a credible uranium producer and may attract additional investment into Malawi’s resource sector. Moreover, the combination of rising output and strengthening international commercial pathways has the potential to support economic development while contributing to global uranium supply at a time of increasing demand for nuclear energy.

Mini Glossary

• Run of mine (ROM) ore Raw ore that is extracted directly from the mine before any processing.
• Stockpiled ore Ore that has been mined previously and stored for future processing.
• U3O8 Uranium oxide, the primary product sold by uranium mines for conversion into nuclear fuel.
• Drill and blast A mining method that involves drilling holes into rock and using explosives to break it for excavation.
• Uranium converters Facilities that chemically convert uranium oxide into uranium hexafluoride as part of the nuclear fuel cycle.

Editor: Vural Burç ÇAKIR