Mining
Malawi Government hails Alternative Mining Indaba
December 19, 2024 / Marcel Chimwala
by Wahard Betha
The Malawi Government has hailed the sixth Malawi Alternative Mining Indaba describing the meeting as a platform for unlocking some of the challenges facing the sector as well as hidden opportunities.
The two-day event which took place in Mangochi under the theme 'Unlocking Malawi’s Potential: Sustainable Mining as a Pathway to Inclusive Development' pulled together stakeholders including: government and private sector officials, civil society organizations, traditional leaders and, Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs).
Minister of Mining Principal Secretary Principal Secretary responsible for Regulations Martin Kaluluma Phiri, who delivered a keynote address at the Indaba on behalf of the Minister of Mining said this year’s theme aligns with the aspirations of the Malawi Vision 2063 as well as Government’s Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy.
He said: “As a country, we have made notable strides, including the establishment of the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority and the National Mining Company.”
“We also continue to make considerable progress in the identification of additional mineral resources as we continue to collect mineral data through the Department of Geological Survey and other partnerships.”
“However, the sector is not without challenges. The sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains at a mere 1%, largely driven by considerable illegal mining and hidden outputs/earnings, limited market access, environmental degradation, and limited mechanization.”
“These issues not only constrain growth but also hinder the sector’s ability to contribute meaningfully towards national development.”
Phiri, therefore, explained that the sector requires urgent attention in some areas including: capacity building for local investors; sustainability and environmental stewardship; youth empowerment and gender inclusion and; participation in regional initiatives.
He also reiterated on the need for collaboration among key players to put to an end some of the challenges crippling the growth of the industry.
Phiri said: “Unlocking Malawi’s mining potential requires collaboration. The government cannot do it alone. We need the expertise from the academia, the advocacy and partnership of civil society, the investment of the private sector, and the voices and vigilance of our communities.”
“Platforms like this Indaba provide the opportunity to bridge these gaps and create synergies that drive meaningful change.”
“At the same time, the Ministry is committed and stands ready to strengthen law enforcement mechanisms and to ensure the legal frameworks governing mining are clear, enforceable, and inclusive.”
“Through platforms like this Indaba, we can identify gaps, recommend improvements, and build partnerships that enhance accountability and compliance and; together, through patriotism, whistleblowing, and collaborative action, we can transform our mining sector into a pillar for prosperity and inclusivity driven by integrity.”
Country Director for NCA-DCA Malawi Joint Country Programme Stephan Jansen called on the Ministry to take a quick action in dealing with some of the appalling stories covering the sector that are widening the inequality gap.
Jansen cited issues of corruption, weak regulations, and poor contract negotiation practices that rob the nation’s wealth.
“The common stories of Makanjira’s mineral rich Namizimu Forest illegal mining, environmental degradation, and the absence of community benefits reveal a failure to protect Malawi’s heritage. The depletion of our natural resources without value addition only widens the inequality gap. Minerals shipped abroad unprocessed benefit foreign companies while leaving local communities in Malawi in poverty,” he said.
The Indaba was organized by NCA/DCA in coordination with Oxfam Malawi, Action Aid Malawi, the Natural Resources Justice Network, the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, Evangelical Association of Malawi, and Malawi Economic Justice Network.
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Rehabilitation:
The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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Remediation:
The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
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