By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, April 4, Mana: In a bid to promote accountability and responsible mining practices, Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu Nkhoma, Collins Kajawa, has urged the Minister of Mining to designate formal and official miners in Nkuza Ward.

Speaking during a supplementary question on Friday in Parliament, Kajawa said, the move aims to facilitate gazetted mining in the area, which is rich in gold deposits.

“By formalizing the mining process, the government seeks to ensure that the extraction of this valuable resource benefits local communities and the nation as a whole”, he said.

He emphasized that currently, illegal gold mining activities are prevalent in Malawi, with individuals engaging in unregulated mining practices and that formalizing the mining sector is expected to curb such malpractices and promote sustainable mining practices.

“The designation of formal and official miners in Nkuza Ward is a significant step towards realizing the government’s vision for a responsible and sustainable mining sector in Malawi “, he said.

In his response, Minister of Mining Zikhale Ng,oma said government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackle illegal mining activities in Malawi.

“This comes amidst concerns over the environment and economic impacts of unregulated mining. Government is developing a strategic plan to address the issue. The plan will involve increased engagement with law enforcement agencies to control and prevent illegal mining,” he said.

He added that government has also imposed restrictions on small-scale mining, which have been in place for 21 days now.

“This move aims to review and regulate the sector, addressing concerns over the export of minerals and the loss of revenue for the government.

“Efforts are also underway to formalize the mining sector, with the government working to attract investment from reputable companies. This includes the recent conclusion of deals with international companies, which are expected to generate significant revenue for Malawi, “he said.

Ng’oma, therefore, said government’s push to regulate the mining sector is driven by the recognition of Malawi’s vast mineral wealth, with an abundance of gold, minerals, oil, and gas adding government is determined to ensure that the resources are being used responsibly and sustainably.

“As the government finalize its strategic plan, it is clear that tackling illegal mining activities will be a top priority.

“With a focus on regulation, investment, and environmental protection, Malawi is poised to unlock the full potential of its mining sector, “he said.