Globe Metals & Mining (ASX:GBE) has commenced early mining activities at its Kanyika Niobium Project in Malawi, targeting first production in early 2028.
The company is developing a series of strategically located pits across the main orebody in batches of about 5,000 tonnes. Each mining area is planned at about 50m long and 16m wide, to a depth of about 2.5m, with access provided by a 40m ramp.
The program has three key objectives: extract material for bulk sampling and grade verification to improve confidence in the mineral resource estimate; build stockpiles for future plant commissioning and testing; and utilise non-ore-bearing material for plant terraces, foundations, and roads.
Ore-bearing material is being hauled about 600m to the designated stockpile area by local contractor OG Plant Hire, under the supervision of Globe’s on-site technical team.
Based on the 2018 mineral resource model, material in the planned mining area averages about 0.45% niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) and 0.015% tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), subject to verification.
The global resource totals 68.3 million tonnes (Mt) @ 2,830 parts per million (ppm) Nb2O5 and 135ppm Ta2O5 using a 1,500ppm cut-off. At a higher 3,000ppm cut-off, the resource stands at 22.8Mt @ 4,220ppm Nb2O5.
Early observations show the excavated material is fine-grained and unconsolidated, with no significant hard rock encountered. Globe says this suits the mechanical mining approach, although further assessment will continue as excavation progresses.
The commencement of early mining activities follows the completion of the phase-one compensation program, access road upgrades, and site clearing. A traditional ceremony attended by three local chiefs marked the formal handover of the site to contractors.
Interim CEO and CFO Charles Altshuler says the milestone is the culmination of years of planning and technical studies.
“There is still considerable work ahead, but we are now building on the groundwork completed in recent months and maintaining a clear pathway towards first production in 2028,” Altshuler states.
“We believe Kanyika has the potential to become an important alternative source of niobium and tantalum for global markets, and we remain committed to unlocking that potential for our shareholders and stakeholders in Malawi.”
Globe Metals & Mining is an African-focused critical minerals developer advancing its Kanyika Project in Malawi.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Globe Metals & Mining
