Bankable Feasibility Study 2026

Bankable Feasibility Study 2026

Kanyika Niobium Project

The Bankable Feasibility Study confirms Kanyika as a globally significant niobium and tantalum project. Stated on a 100% basis in real 1 January 2026 terms, the study delivers a post-tax NPV of US$1,025M with an IRR of 48%, a 24 year mine life, and first production of niobium oxide expected in early 2028.

Key Highlights

Financial and operating metrics on a 100% basis, stated in real 1 January 2026 terms

Post-Tax NPV

US$1,025M

Post-Tax IRR

48%

Avg Annual EBITDA

US$205M

Pre-Tax NPV

US$1,524M

Life of Mine

24 Years

Gross Margin

72%

Net Sales Revenue (LOM)

US$6,983M

Avg Annual Operating Cost

US$14.26/kg Nb₂O₅

Initial Phase Capital Cost

US$139M

Initial Phase Capital Cost Breakdown

Mine & Refinery Capex

US$82M

Solar PV & BESS

US$28M

EPCM & Owner's Costs

US$15M

Contingency

US$14M

Resources and Reserves

Ore Reserve (BFS)

  • 33.8 Mt at 3,050 ppm Nb₂O₅
  • 142 ppm Ta₂O₅
  • Supporting a mine life of 24 years

Mineral Resource Estimate

  • 68.3 Mt grading 2,830 ppm Nb₂O₅
  • 135 ppm Ta₂O₅
  • 2018 JORC Code 2012 compliant

Both estimates underpin the long-term viability and scale of the Kanyika Niobium Project.

Project Development Strategy

The Project will be developed in phases to reduce upfront capital requirements and execution risk.

Initial Phase

  • Targeted production of 1,502 tpa Nb₂O₅ and 65 tpa Ta₂O₅
  • 500kt of ore mined and processed per annum
  • Represents 33% of full ROM capacity

Expansion to Full Scale

  • Targeted production of 3,477 tpa Nb₂O₅ and 156 tpa Ta₂O₅
  • 1,500kt of ore mined and processed per annum
  • Represents 100% of full ROM capacity

The Phased Strategy is Designed To

  • Minimise upfront capital requirements
  • Accelerate first production
  • Reduce technical, operational and commercial risk
  • Generate early cash flow

Strategic and Technical Strengths

Kanyika is positioned as a globally significant critical minerals project with strong technical foundations and a clear path to production.

Global Significanc

Potential globally significant primary niobium and tantalum oxide producer targeting critical minerals markets across AI, aerospace, defence, superconductors and advanced manufacturing.

Conflict-Free Supply

Provides a conflict-free, traceable and diversified supply source of critical minerals outside Brazil.

De-Risked Execution

Completed technical programme including extensive metallurgical testwork and engineering optimisation underpinning a robust processing flowsheet and top-quartile recoveries.

Fully Integrated Operation

Fully integrated on-site mine-to-refinery configuration producing high-purity niobium and tantalum oxide products.

Malawi Vision 2063 – Mining as a National Priority

Malawi’s long-term development blueprint, Vision 2063, sets out a bold ambition for the nation to become an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant country. Three pillars underpin this vision:

  • Agricultural Productivity and Commercialisation – strengthening and modernising Malawi’s traditional economic base.
  • Industrialisation – building value-adding industries that create jobs, diversify exports, and attract investment.
  • Urbanisation and Infrastructure Development – establishing the physical and institutional foundations for sustained growth.

Mining is recognised in Vision 2063 as a driver of diversification and industrialisation, second only to agriculture. By unlocking strategic minerals such as niobium and tantalum, Malawi can:

  • Generate foreign exchange and strengthen its balance of payments.
  • Provide raw materials for downstream and regional industries.
  • Attract international investment, technology transfer, and partnerships.
  • Deliver royalties, taxes, and local employment to fuel community and national development.

The Kanyika Niobium Project, directly aligned with Vision 2063, is a strategic development asset that supports Malawi’s transition towards a more diversified, industrialised economy.