By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, March 12, Mana: Some stakeholders in Chitipa District have asked a mining firm, Lotus Africa Limited (LAL) to consider hiring local experts for mining operations rather than prioritizing expatriates.

Speaking Tuesday during a full council meeting, Councillor for Zambwe Ward, Saidi Lwanja said that he was concerned that most mining companies hire foreign experts sidelining some local people who have similar qualifications and experience.

During the meeting, C12 Consultancy Company provided an update of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) on behalf of LAL, which is to embark on operations at Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga.

“Why do you hire a lot of foreign experts in mining operations? We have experts in this country,” said Lwanja.

In his response, Geologist for LAL, John Mwenelupembe said that mining in Malawi is just developing and that it is a technical subject that requires technical skills not only acquired from school but also from practical experience.  

“That is why you find that a lot of mining companies hire a lot of expatriates in their operations. These expatriates are hired in the countries where mining takes place,” said Mwenelupembe.

He added that mining is at an infant stage in Malawi and that mine companies such as Lotus Africa Limited will rely on experts from Australia, South Africa, where mining is a tradition.

“We believe that these geologists who are just coming out of universities will be able to pick up jobs and acquire experience from these experts.

“Within a few years, Malawi will also have experts in mining who can run their mining businesses and work as mining expatriate experts around the world,” he added.

Chief Education Officer for Chitipa District Council, Clement Nyirenda asked LAL to consider working with technical colleges in Karonga and Chitipa for mining skills development.

Kayelekera Uranium mine is expected to create approximately 400 full-time jobs for Malawians as 34 expatriate workers have already been employed.