AllAfrica – Mining

Malawi: Malawi Signs Strategic Mineral Deal With U.S., But Questions Linger Over Transparency

Malawi has signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. trading firm Traxys North America to market graphite from the Kasiya rutile‑graphite project, aiming to supply up to 80,000 tonnes annually to the United States’ Project Vault strategic reserve. The deal, announced at Mining Indaba, positions Malawi as a potential source of critical minerals for defense and battery production. However, the MOU lacks disclosed pricing, royalty terms, or guaranteed revenue for the Malawian government. Critics warn that without transparency and value‑adding policies, the agreement may reinforce Malawi’s role as a raw‑material exporter rather than a beneficiary of the energy transition.