By Sellah Chunda

Lilongwe, May 28, Mana: Head of Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Janet Banda, has said that the mining sector requires 40 percent of the electricity generated from the national grid to support various activities.

Speaking at the launch of the pre-lab meeting held at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Banda highlighted the significant challenges faced by the industry and the need for stakeholder coordination to enhance mineral management in the country.

She noted that despite facing issues such as electricity shortages, political will has been crucial in driving sector transformation.

"The mining sector struggles with inadequate infrastructure, particularly in energy access and roads, lack of capacity, lengthy bureaucratic procedures for obtaining licenses and signing agreements, and insufficient investments.

“We have identified energy access as a key challenge because the mining sector needs at least 230 megawatts, which constitutes 40% of the country's current generation capacity," she explained.

Banda further emphasized government's commitment to transforming the mining sector by establishing cooperatives, signing agreements, and improving the value chain.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Mining, Joseph Mkandawire, also stressed the importance of the pre-lab meeting in identifying issues hindering the sector's progress.

He added that the public would benefit from the sector if mining development agreements are advanced.

"There is progress in the mining sector, but it needs enhancement. Kanengo is using our coal, and road construction is utilizing our quarries, which shows progress. Now, we seek companies that will export our minerals. This is why we are advancing mining development agreements for the country's benefit," Mkandawire stated.