Mkango Resources is a mineral exploration and development company with its headquarters based in Canada. It has been engaged in mineral exploration of rare earth at Songwe Hill in Phalombe district for 10 years and they are currently under a Bankable feasibility stage.

The aim of the visit was to reinforce the existing relationship they have with Mining Engineering Department by supporting departmental activities such as career talks and research collaborations.

The team comprised of; the President and Co-Founder Alexander Lemon, and the Country Director Burton Kachinjika. 

In his remarks; Lemon emphasized the need for collaboration and support to Academia. He also expressed interest to support more mining students once the Songwe Hill Rare Earth Project completes Bankable Feasibility Study and later start Exploitation. 

The Head of Mining Engineering Department, Tiyamike Haundi expressed satisfaction to the visit and highlighted the need for collaborative research and student support programmes to promote the quality of mining education in the country.

“There is need for mineral industry stakeholders to consider using the Departments’ state-of-the-art laboratory housed in the School of Engineering building to carry out mineralogical, metallurgical and geotechnical tests,” said Haundi.

 Dr. Joshua Chisambi, Lecturer in Geology, gave a brief presentation on gold mineralization sites in the country and highlighted the need for further gold exploration and exploitation.