Lotus Resources Targets Q3 2025 Restart After ESIA Nod for Kayelekera Project
Lotus Resources has secured Environmental and Social Impact Assessment approval for its Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi, paving the way for uranium production to resume in the third quarter of 2025. The company also completed a key board transition, signaling a new phase in its governance.
- ESIA approval granted by Malawi Environment Protection Authority
- Uranium production restart targeted for Q3 2025
- Board transition with ESG Chair Dixie Marshall stepping down
- Simon Hay appointed as new ESG Committee Chair
- Kayelekera hosts 46.3 million pounds of uranium resources
Environmental Approval Unlocks Restart
Lotus Resources Limited has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with the approval of its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi. This approval, granted by Malawi’s Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) on 30 May 2025, clears a critical hurdle for the company’s plan to restart uranium production by the third quarter of this year.
The ESIA process ensures that environmental and social risks are identified and managed responsibly, reflecting Lotus’s commitment to sustainable mining practices. The approval is contingent on compliance with the Environmental and Social Management Plan and other regulatory conditions, underscoring the company’s focus on safeguarding local communities and the environment as operations resume.
Strategic Board Changes Signal ESG Focus
Alongside the ESIA approval, Lotus announced the completion of a board transition. Dixie Marshall, who served as Chair of the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee and played a pivotal role in advancing the restart roadmap, has resigned. Her departure marks the end of a chapter that saw Lotus acquire Kayelekera and develop an accelerated restart plan.
Simon Hay has stepped into the ESG Chair role, indicating continuity in the company’s governance approach as it moves into operational phases. Non-Executive Chairman Michael Bowen praised Marshall’s contributions, highlighting the board’s alignment with Lotus’s ambition to become a leading global uranium producer.
Robust Resource Base Supports Growth
The Kayelekera Project boasts a substantial mineral resource inventory, with approximately 46.3 million pounds of uranium oxide (U3O8) including measured, indicated, and inferred categories. The project previously produced around 11 million pounds of uranium between 2009 and 2014, and recent studies confirm a viable ore reserve of 23 million pounds, underpinning the restart plan.
Lotus’s broader portfolio includes the Letlhakane Uranium Project in Botswana, further positioning the company as a significant player in Africa’s uranium sector. The company’s approach balances resource development with environmental stewardship and community engagement, critical factors in today’s mining landscape.
Looking Ahead
With regulatory approval secured and governance structures refreshed, Lotus Resources is poised to advance its operational preparations for Kayelekera’s restart. The company’s emphasis on safety, environmental compliance, and stakeholder collaboration will be closely watched as production timelines firm up and market conditions evolve.
Bottom Line?
Lotus Resources’ ESIA approval and board renewal set the stage for a pivotal uranium production restart, but execution and regulatory follow-through remain key to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the formal ESIA Certificate be issued, and what conditions will it impose?
- How will global uranium market dynamics influence the timing and scale of Kayelekera’s restart?
- What strategic priorities will the new ESG Committee Chair pursue to balance growth and sustainability?
