Mining & Trade News

By Modester Mwalija

ASX-listed Sovereign Metals, which is prospecting for rutile and graphite at Kasiya area in Lilongwe, has announced that it has commenced a hydraulic mining trial at the rutile-graphite prospect as part of the ongoing Pilot Mining and Land Rehabilitation Program.

Sovereign MD Frank Eager announces in a statement stating that the hydraulic mining trial aims to further develop previous test work as part of the Kasiya Optimization Study. 

The trial is being conducted by Fraser Alexander, a global industry leader in hydraulic mining, following successful completion of a dry mining trial in July 2024

“With valuable insights gained from the dry-mining approach at Kasiya, we are now entering the next phase, which includes the commencement of the hydraulic mining tests, processing and backfilling material, and progressing towards the rehabilitation phase which we expect to take approximately three months to complete including backfilling of main trial pit, deposition and rehabilitation test work,” states Eager

He says that the company has also made significant strides in water management for the trial. A temporary water storage pond, filled with six million litres of groundwater from eight on-site boreholes, will supply the water required for the hydraulic mining operations.

“This water will be used during the hydraulic mining trial and continuously recycled from the constructed holding cells where sand and fines fractions will be stored respectively prior to the planned deposition and rehabilitation test work allowing for the recovery of approximately 34% of the water, which will be returned to the water storage pond.”

Sovereign Metals is confident that the successful completion of the hydraulic mining trial and associated tests will further solidify Kasiya as a flagship project for rutile and graphite extraction in Malawi, setting a new benchmark for sustainable mining in the region.

OUTSTANDING BATTERY ANODE MATERIAL PRODUCED FROM KASIYA GRAPHITE

Meanwhile, studies have confirmed Kasiya graphite concentrate as an excellent feedstock for natural graphite anode materials suitable for battery production.

Eagar explains that the Kasiya natural graphite presents a unique, low-cost opportunity to develop lithium-ion battery supply chains outside of China as very high quality coated spherical purified graphite (CSPG) anode material produced from Kasiya graphite concentrate has performance characteristics comparable to the highest quality natural graphite battery material produced by dominant Chinese anode manufacturers.

Eagar comments: “These results confirm that Kasiya graphite concentrate will be an excellent anode material feedstock to the battery industry. Not only is the weathered, saprolite-hosted graphite easy to purify to very high-grades, the anode material produced meets the highest industry specifications. Along with the very low BET specific surface area and high tap densities (both resulting in excellent first cycle efficiencies and initial battery discharge capacities), Kasiya has the potential to become a dominant source of graphite supply ex-China.”

“Combining these excellent results with one of the largest graphite resources globally, industry low operating costs and lowest global warming potential, Kasiya is presenting significant advantages over its graphite peers.”

“We look forward to further test-work and market updates as we continue to develop Kasiya as a supplier of premium quality, cost competitive natural graphite concentrate.”

By Wahard Betha

The Ministry of Mining says it is finalizing the polishing of the draft Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Bill in order to formulate a new Act to manage the upstream petroleum subsector, which is currently governed using the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 1983 currently considered outdated.

Director General for Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority Samuel Sakhuta told Mining and Trade Review that Government is fast-tracking the drafting process to create a better legislative environment in the subsector which continues to attract interest from investors.

Government demarcated Malawi’s part of the Great African Rift Valley geological zone, which has potential for hydrocarbon prospecting into six blocks. The blocks were awarded to various multinational firms that later relinquished their licences due to the prevalence of the Covid-19 pandemic which made it difficult for them to mobilise staff and equipment to conduct the exploration work.     

Sakhuta said the Ministry has included a provision for re-demarcation of the existing big blocks in the new Bill to create room for more investors interested to conduct hydrocarbon exploration.

He said: “We have a draft bill that we are to submit to parliament at some point once polishing of the document is finalized.”

“Looking at the pressure that we have now from the investors who are interested in the sector, recently I presented a memo on the same to the Principal Secretary.”

“We are saying we want to come up with a solid and revised Act. In terms of re-demarcation, once the controlling officer gives a nod to that, we are much ready to re-demarcate.”

 “By demarcating, we will give a chance to many investors and have a high probability of getting what we are looking for very quickly.”.

Coordinator for Chamber of Mines and Energy Grain Malunga commended the move saying the subsector still carries weight in terms of energy sources.  

“Oil and gas will never be completely abandoned as a source of energy. There is a need to encourage exploration and development of the same,” said Malunga.

In a separate interview, Programs Coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Joy Chabwera also commended the Malawi Government for the move but further urged for full implementation of the laws.

Chabwera said: “The Ministry reviewed the petroleum policy last year which was a good move and hearing that they are now drafting a bill is progressive since the 1983 Act is long outdated.

“However, having good laws is not enough if there is no implementation and political will to see rule of law at work in this country.”

Chabwera also asked the Malawi Government to conduct due diligence on the companies applying for licenses and finalize the legal framework before rushing to grant any company a license.

By Wahard Betha

The Malawi Government through the Ministry of Transport and Public Works says it has begun restructuring the country’s air transport industry, which includes the establishment of an airport operator which has been set to be operated and managed by Airport Development Limited (ADL) under the Ministry.

The 2024 Annual Economic Report published by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs explains that the mandate of ADL was extended to assume responsibility of all public aerodromes with expectations to complete the process by October 30,2024.

It reads: “The Department of Civil Aviation will further be restructured to be responsible for aviation policy in the Ministry.”

“The process of restructuring will result in the movement of human resources to where their skills and capabilities best fit and will be utilized most effectively and efficiently.”

It also says Malawi has initiated Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) with Kuwait, Uganda and Mozambique, which should result in the introduction of additional flights between Malawi and the aforementioned countries.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is undertaking various projects in the air transport industry including: Development of the New Mzuzu Airport; Essential Aviation Safety Equipment Upgrade; Rehabilitation of Mzuzu Airport Resources and; Upgrade of Aviation Safety Resources.

The report, however, says the air transport industry is still encountering challenges including forex shortages and the unintended effects of devaluation.

It reads: “The scarcity of forex has compromised the attractiveness of the Malawi market to airlines as they face challenges to remit their proceeds from Malawi.”

“Government will continue to have dialogue with the airlines and other key stakeholders to ensure that airlines are able to remit their proceeds.

Apart from the air transport industry, the report also highlights some of the major activities in the railways sub-sector which include the ongoing design, upgrade and rehabilitation of the Marka – Bangula railway line, which were significantly affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy considering that most of these are currently being implemented in the southern region which was heavily affected.

Other ongoing projects in the rail subsector includes; rehabilitation of the Nkaya-Salima-Lilongwe-Mchinji Railway Section (399km); Construction of the Ruo Breakaway Rail/Road Bridge Construction works for the Ruo Breakaway Rail/Road Bridge on the Makhanga to Sandama railway section; Construction of a Rail Network to the North of Malawi and; Railway Operations Training Programme.

The ministry responsible plans to complete works for the construction of the Marka-Bangula railway in the 2024/25 financial year.

BY FRANCIS TAYANJAH-PHIRI

Construction of Likoma Port is scheduled to finish by November 30 this year, when it will immediately start operating, the Marine Department says.

In an interview with Mining & Trade Review, the Department’s Chief Surveyor of Vessels Wilson Luwani rated the project at 85% completion.

He said the facility will be capable of handling two big ships at a time.

Luwani explained that currently there are ongoing construction works taking place for a fence, warehouse, and immigration/customs offices; and immediately after this, the port will be ready for operations.

“Apart from the docking bay, the facility [port] will have a warehouse, storage facilities, waiting shelter, jetty, and cargo handling equipment, among other things,” said Luwani.

He said the port was designed in a manner that it would not be prone to floods, as is the case with the Nkhata Bay one, which is currently submerged in water, following this year’s rising of water levels in most parts of Lake Malawi.

“This port was designed to handle the highest water levels ever recorded,” remarked Luwani.

However, he said the construction of the Port was not without challenges, citing, among others, shortage of fuel supply at the early stages of construction works.

“Other challenges were; water levels making it difficult to do works under the main platform and weather patterns including heavy winds on the lake which made it difficult to supply building materials,” said Luwani.

He said the other challenges included difficulty to find locally qualified personnel to do special professional works for instance underwater works, and the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha along with inflation, which kept the contract sum rising.

Luwani disclosed that the total cost of this project was initially projected at MK10 billion, but rose to MK22 billion, due to the stated factors.

“The Government of Malawi funded the project, and the contractor is Mota-Engil,” he said.

Luwani stated that the port, once operational, will impact positively on the development of the Island district by ensuring improved efficiency in cargo handling.

“This will translate into increased trade operations; as it will enhance time saving and low operational costs with the jetty in place,” he said

By Modester Mwalija

There is substantial progress in a number of energy projects that are being implemented in Malawi in order to increase availability of power in the country, which will help a number of mining projects currently struggling to roll out operations due to lack of power to pass the feasibility test.

This is outlined in the 2023/2024 annual economic report published by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.

The report says that the government handed over the Kam’mwamba Coal-Fired Power Project to the Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO), after unfulfilled expectations from the EXIM Bank of China. EGENCO has since revised the feasibility study, estimating the project cost at US$600-million.

“The project’s completion, anticipated by 2030, is dependent on securing a joint venture for EGENCO to partner with a 50:50 possible share of the project cost between EGENCO and the joint venture partner,” reads the report.

The report highlights that despite some setbacks, the Mozambique-Malawi 400kV Interconnector Project is now expected to come online in October this year.

The report reads: “The progress achieved at the end of the 2023/24 financial year include compensation pay-outs for Project Affected Persons on the Malawi side and the revision of the Power Purchase Agreement with Electridade de Mozambique (EDM), which will increase power imports from 50MW to 120MW when the project is completed.”

The report also notes that in the period under review, ESCOM and Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) initiated a joint feasibility study, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and a Resettlement and Compensation Action Plan, on the Malawi-Zambia Interconnector which is aimed at integrating Malawi into the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) by connecting to Zambia’s electricity grid.

“The initial phase will inject 50MW into Malawi’s grid, with the potential for future increases. Both companies have signed the Project Implementation Framework, marking a critical step towards realizing this project,” reads the report.

The report also says that the government is implementing the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project, set to deliver 361MW of clean energy under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The achievements in the 2023/24 financial year include incorporation of Mpatamanga Hydro Company Limited; ongoing negotiations for Power Purchase Agreements; Completion and approval of the Project Freeze Designs, continuation of environmental studies; and development of Resettlement Action Plans scheduled for completion by May, 2024.

The report says the government is also prioritizing the rehabilitation of the Kapichira Hydropower Station, which suffered extensive damage from Tropical Storm Ana in January 2022.

Funded by a $60 million World Bank grant, EGENCO successfully repaired all four damaged machines, restoring 129.6MW of power.

The report reads: “Phase I of the restoration is nearly complete, paving the way for Phase II, which will involve constructing a more resilient structure to protect against future storms. This project is crucial for safeguarding Malawi’s energy security, with completion expected by May 2027.”

On integrating solar energy into the national grid, the report says Malawi is implementing a 20MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Kanengo substation in Lilongwe. The project, funded by a US$20-million grant from the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), reached financial closure in July 2023.

It says installation is expected to be completed by March 2025, providing essential additional services to stabilize the grid.

Furthermore, the report indicates that EGENCO is advancing the Nanjoka Solar Power Plant in Salima, a project expected to contribute 50MW to the national grid by 2029. Following the completion of feasibility studies and environmental assessments, construction began with the installation of an initial 10MW. The project, which had its groundbreaking ceremony in November 2023, marks a significant step towards diversifying Malawi’s energy sources.

 As detailed in the report, EGENCO also plans to double the capacity of the Wovwe Hydropower Station from 4.5MW to 9MW. In 2023, the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) approved the extension.

“Negotiations for the Power Purchase Agreement are nearing completion. Once finalized, construction will commence using EGENCO’s internal resources, further strengthening the country’s energy resilience,” states the report.

These projects represent a crucial investment in Malawi’s energy future, addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals. The successful completion of these initiatives will significantly enhance the country’s power generation capacity, reduce reliance on imports, and improve the overall stability of electricity.

The Ministry of Energy expects planned investments of approximately US$3.5 billion in order to meet the estimated energy demand by 2040.

By Marcel Chimwala

CEO for Australian company Lindian Resources, Alwyn Vorster, said during a recent visit to Malawi that the Company is still aiming to have financing confirmed within the next few months, which should allow full scale mine construction at its Kangankunde Rare Earth Project in Balaka to commence later this year.  The Company has already completed numerous preliminary development activities at the project site since it became involved in late 2022. That includes extensive drilling and sampling programs as well as road and other infrastructure development. The Kangankunde Project is located 90km north of the city of Blantyre and 15km south of Balaka.

In June 2024, Lindian announced the appointment of Vorster, who brings 30 years of mining project development experience, having previously held CEO positions with many Australian Stock Exchange-listed companies. For the past year, he was also a non-executive director on the board of Lindian.

Vorster said the Kangankunde Project’s large and high-grade orebody makes it one of the best rare earth projects under development across the world. He said: “Lindian released a feasibility study on the Stage 1 development in early July. Results of the study showed that the Kangankunde Project is technically and financially robust and can deliver attractive future financial returns.”

“The feasibility study now paves the way for Lindian Resources to secure financing (which includes US$40 million pre-production capital cost) for the Stage 1 Kangankunde Project development.”

Vorster explained that when in operation, the Kangankunde Project will provide significant economic and social benefits to Malawi in the form of taxes and royalties, jobs and business opportunities, and social and infrastructure investment while additional flow on benefits will be generated from bringing mining investment and development to the region.

The Kangankunde Project is rich in neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr) rare earth elements. Nd and Pr are a critical component in the production of permanent magnets. Long-term demand outlook for rare earths will continue to be dominated by magnet applications. This growth will be driven by demand for renewable energy and electrified transport applications. As such, the magnet market will be the largest growing sector and it is forecast that it will account for almost 60% of the NdPr market by 2050.

He observed that the project has a bright future due to this potential growth in the rare earth market, the availability of favourable transportation infrastructure in the project area and the good relationship and support that the project is getting from the Malawi Government and local communities.

Since taking over as CEO, Vorster has accompanied the Chairman of Lindian, Mr Asimwe Kabunga, several times to Malawi; meeting with government, community members and local Lindian employees. Vorster commented, “Mr Kabunga has been instrumental in securing the project ownership for Lindian and advancing development, and he will remain our most senior and key contact with most senior government and community people”. I am also pleased to say that we have in the last few weeks strengthened our in-country capabilities by appointing Trevor Hiwa as General Manager Malawi (Country Manager), reporting to myself. He was, until now, a civil engineering consultant designing all civil works and mine support infrastructure at Kangankunde.  Trevor will be our most senior person in Malawi and be accountable for managing key functions of Kangankunde tenure and approvals, government and community relations, legal & compliance and the Malawi corporate financials.  Chrispine Ngwena moves from his current consultancy role to become our full time Manager Community and Government Relations, reporting to the GM Malawi. He will continue the outstanding work to date of managing sustainable relationships between Lindian operations and the Kangankunde Community, local and central Government.  We will also look to appoint financial and compliance related local employees in the near future.”

In terms of operations, the proposed Stage 1 development can have a mine life of 45 years based on current Ore Reserves.  The operation will involve an open pit mining operation and processing plant to produce ~15,300 tpa premium concentrate with 55% Rare Earth Oxide (REO) grade. The clean process of gravity and magnetic separation in the process plant means that water can be recirculated to the plant, thereby reducing the total water requirement. Up to 3MW power will be provided by grid power connection (hydroelectricity) with back up on-site diesel power generation. The Kangankunde Project is located close to good supporting infrastructure which includes proximity to the main M1 highway, rail lines to ports and high voltage transmission lines.

Vorster said: “Unlike many rare earth projects, the Kangankunde Project’s concentrate products and tailings will contain very low levels of radioactive materials and other impurities. This makes the handling of the ore and waste easy and safe and enables the product to be shipped to most potential buyer countries without restrictions.”

The development schedule aims to commence main construction in fourth quarter of 2024 and commissioning of the processing plant late 2025 and first sales in first half 2026.

Vorster said the Kangankunde Project will require more than 200 full time equivalent site roles during the construction phase, and more than 100 full time equivalent site roles during the operational phase. The Company aims to employ and train many of these roles from the local Malawi labour pool.

He also said the Kangankunde Project has the support of and will significantly benefit the local economy and rural community by promoting sustainable growth, creating jobs, and investing in the community while respecting traditional Malawian customs.

Vorster said: “Lindian has been active in the local community, providing financial support for a remote policing unit and assistance to the local schools. It has worked with the local community and government on a resettlement process for community members affected by the Kangankunde Project’s development.”

“A Community Engagement Plan (CEP) has been developed in collaboration with the local government, traditional leaders, communities, organisations, and women's groups in the project area. The CEP establishes a committee comprised of community leaders, local community representatives, Government District Council officials, and senior leadership of Lindian. It will act as a forum for continued community engagement and issues management.”

“Infrastructure upgrades are also planned, including upgrading a 5km unsealed road from the Kangankunde Project site to the M1 Highway into an all-weather road to enhance safety and accessibility. Communication infrastructure implemented for the Kangankunde Project will also improve community access to reliable communications.”

By Modester Mwalija

Since 2021 the mining sector has experienced steady growth due to a supportive legal and regulatory environment that welcomes both local and international players, this is outlined in the 2023/2024 annual economic report published by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.

The report states that in 2023, the Mines and Minerals Act of 2019 was repealed to accommodate the establishment of the Mines and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA).

“The MMRA has been established and has been assigned the licensing, inspection, and geological surveying functions to improve regulation and enforcement in the mining sector,” the report reads.

The report says that the Ministry launched its strategic plan for 2022–2027 and began its implementation, reaffirming the Ministry’s mission and strategic objectives.

“One of the initiatives implemented under the Strategic Plan was the completion of a mineral processing and research laboratory in Lilongwe and the installation of key equipment.”

The report further says as of December 31, 2023; the Ministry of Mining had collected 2023/24 revenue amounting to MK747,012,957.80. In total, the Ministry was expected to collect MK1,002,336,233.75, representing 3 percent growth over 2022/23 collection, largely due to increase in the number of mining license applications and revenue enhancement.

During the year under review, the Ministry of Mining, granted 546 various licenses to prospecting mining companies and individuals. 

“378 licenses were given to small scale operators namely 61 Non-Exclusive Prospecting Licenses, 168 Small-Scale Mining Licenses, 149 Reserved Minerals Licenses and 164 licenses were given to larger and medium operators including 106 Exploration Licenses, 28 Medium-Scale Mining Licenses, 1 Large-Scale Mining License, 32 Retention Licenses, 1 Reconnaissance License,” reads the report.

However, the report notes that despite these positive developments, the mining sector currently contributes only 1 percent to the national income as the sector still faces challenges including unreported income, smuggling, environmentally damaging practices, and health hazards associated with substandard mining methods, which pose significant concerns.

“Limited power supply, bad road and railway infrastructure, and other economic constraints elevate overhead and production costs, deterring investors and hindering sector growth,” says the report.

The report notes that to unlock mining sector growth, further policy reforms are necessary including streamlining the legal and regulatory framework, optimizing administrative procedures, enhancing oversight capabilities, and fostering local participation.

“Establishing robust support structures like reliable infrastructure and power supply is crucial to attract and retain investors,” it says.

The report also acknowledges that the ongoing projects in the form of strategic roads, railways, and power plants, which started in 2022/23 financial year, offer a positive outlook for the coming year.”

In the 2024/25 Fiscal Year, the government plans to undertake a number of interventions to foster productivity, transparency, and accountability in the sector so that it contributes significantly to inclusive wealth generation and economic growth in line with Malawi 2063.

By Modester Mwalija

Indications on the ground show that the Ministry of Mining is missing its target in implementing its 2022-2027 strategic plan on the aspect of empowering Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs) who are encountering persistent challenges that threaten their ability to contribute effectively to the country’s economy.

The strategic plan aims to increase investment in the mining and upstream petroleum sector by adopting the Integrated Rural Development 2017 approach, which aims to promote entrepreneurship and environmentally sustainable mining practices among ASMs.

“By the year 2025 targeted ASMs should be trained in mining and value addition and formalized into recognisable cooperatives,” reads part of the plan

However, our investigations show that ASM operators continue to struggle with issues ranging from regulatory barriers to financial limitations, potentially disrupting these efforts.

President of the Federation of Women and Youth in Mining Flore-Annie Kamanga says in an interview that while the strategic plan outlines a clear vision, the implementation process is stumbling due to the complex regulatory environment.

“The current legal framework is not ASM-friendly. The high cost of licenses and the bureaucratic problems make it nearly impossible for small-scale miners to operate legally. This situation forces many ASM operators to work informally, putting them at odds with authorities and limiting their access to formal markets,” she says.

Kamanga also highlights the problem of lack of access to finance which impedes ASMs’ ability to invest in modern equipment and technologies.

“Without adequate financial support, miners are forced to use rudimentary tools that are not only inefficient but also hazardous,” she says.

She says lack of access to established markets is another critical issue as many ASMs frequently face challenges in accessing fair markets and are often exploited by middlemen who offer low prices for their minerals.

Kamanga advocates for better market structures and value addition initiatives, emphasizing that “there should be systems in place to provide real-time market information and support for forming cooperatives to enhance bargaining power.”

Noah Alfred, an artisanal miner, provides a ground-level perspective on the challenges. He dwells on the financial constraints faced by small-scale miners, stating, “The lack of adequate funds for running a small-scale mining operation is a significant barrier. Despite government pursuing strategies like the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM), ASMs are not fully recognized or supported.”

Alfred also expresses concern over government’s restrictions of ASMs to use heavy machinery, which he believes hinders progress.

“The use of heavy machinery should be allowed as it would enhance productivity and efficiency. Relying on shovels and picks is too primitive and limits growth,” he says.

By Modester Mwaija

As Malawi approaches the half way mark of the period for the implementation of 2022-2027 Mining Strategic Plan, concerns are growing over the sector’s slow progress. Chamber of Mines and Energy in Malawi and Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) express concern that deep-rooted challenges are delaying efforts to move the country’s mining industry forward.

The strategic plan was designed to transform the mining landscape and boost economic growth. The plan sets forth a range of objectives aimed at increasing production, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that local communities benefit from mining activities.

“The strategic plan’s mission is to coordinate, facilitate and promote participation of all stakeholders in the sustainable development, utilization and management of mineral and petroleum resources for socioeconomic growth and development,” reads the plan

Grain Malunga, Coordinator for the Chamber of Mines and Energy, says the mineral sector is developing at a very slow pace due to insufficient financial and human resources.

“We still have not seen significant progress in establishing key institutions like the Mining Development Corporation and the National Mining Company and there has been no specific targets in investments, exploration and mining,” Malunga says.

He also says the sector is facing infrastructure challenges including lack of access to reliable energy and unreliable transport networks. 

Malunga, however, acknowledges that the current regulatory frameworks are adequate to promote transparency in the mining sector. These include Mines and Minerals Act 2023, Access to Information Law and Anti-Corruption Act.

Kennedy Rashid, National Coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN), raises concerns over the environmental impacts of unregulated and illegal mining activities, particularly in areas like Makanjira where some parts of the Namizimu forest have been cleared, and the chemicals that are being used by Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs) in Nkhatabay and Nkhotakota in streams where gold is being panned.

“The main concerns on the environmental side include deforestation, water pollution, air pollution, land degradation, and siltation,” says Rashid.

He says the challenges can only be addressed if the Ministry of Mining is financed and adequately staffed to carry out its functions and provide services to all scales of mining activities.

“There is a need to mainstream training or capacity building on responsible mining, and increased inspections and audits by both the Environmental Protection Authority, Malawi Human Rights Commission, and Mining Regulatory Authority,” says Rashid.

He also calls on government to mainstream open contracting, beneficial ownership disclosure, revenue transparency, environmental and social impact accountability.

“This can best be achieved if we could mainstream the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards and the African Mining Vision framework (AMV). We need to localize both the AMV and EITI standards but in consideration to our context thus in respect to our laws and regulations,” says Rashid.

Despite the current challenges, the future of Malawi’s mining sector appears promising, as stakeholders continue to push for reforms and improvements that will unlock the full potential of Malawi’s mineral wealth.