Uranium processing has resumed at Lotus Resources’ Kayelekera uranium mine in Malawi following the completion of repairs to its acid plant and the restoration of acid supplies.
The ASX-listed mining company suspended processing in June after a disruption to third-party acid supplies, compounded by a commissioning setback at the mine’s newly developed acid plant.
The setback was linked to the partial failure of refractory bricks inside the plant’s sulphur furnace. Lotus Resources has since completed interim repairs, allowing both acid production and uranium processing to restart.
“We are very pleased to see the restart of processing and, with this, the drumming of uranium to follow shortly,” said Lotus Resources MD Greg Bittar.
While processing was halted, the company continued with its processing optimisation programme and carried out critical maintenance work. Lotus says these efforts are expected to support the operation as it moves towards steady-state production.
Acid Plant Strengthens Mine Operations
The restart also marks an important step for Kayelekera’s long-term operational stability.
According to Lotus Resources, the acid plant now has sufficient sulphur inventory on site, alongside supply visibility through the remainder of 2026. The company expects the facility to provide greater security of acid supply while reducing reagent costs.
Bittar described the acid plant as a key strategic project for Kayelekera, particularly as the mine works towards improving production efficiency.
The resumption of processing is expected to be followed by the return of uranium production, signalling another important milestone in the mine’s restart and ramp-up programme.
Main Image: Mining Review Africa
