By Solister Mogha

Zomba, April 10, Mana: Minister of Mining, Monica Chang’anamuno has ordered immediate stop of alluvial gold mining activities at Traditional Authority (TA) M’biza in Zomba.

The Minister’s order follows reports of various abuses at the mining site and that most of those involved did not have proper documents and were foreigners.

Speaking Tuesday after a consultative meeting with officials from Zomba and Chiradzulu District Councils and community members from TA M’biza, the Minister said her ministry received a number of reports about child labour, sexual abuse, and labour exploitation among other social ills.

She said most of the people engaging in the mining were illegal miners and foreigners without license, adding that this was against the laws of Malawi

“After visiting the site and seriously considering all issues. I order immediate closure of mining activities in Zomba and anyone found doing any mining activity henceforth, will face the wrath of the law,” Chanag’anamuno said.

She added that it was about time to seriously regulate Malawi’s mining industry so that the country benefits from its mineral deposits.

“Mineral exploration is a very serious and sensitive issue that need to be handled with care. As long as I am the minster of mining, I will not accept foreigners siphoning our minerals and no more of illegal mining in Malawi,” the Minister stressed.

Chanag’anamuno has since asked chiefs to be vigilant and patriotic to stop accommodating or shielding foreigners who engage in illegal mining.

Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Idana whose area has been heavily damaged hailed the Minister for ordering closure of gold mine.

The Chief said a lot of immoral activities were happening at the site and that most of people’s land was being damaged due to the mining

“We support the decision and we will make sure that no one is found mining gold until proper procedures have been followed,” she said.

The Traditional Leader said she would encourage her subjects to form cooperatives as proposed by the government and speed up mining registration process.

According to Mining Act, only registered miners are allowed to do mining activities within a specified place.

However, the recent discovery of various mineral deposits has proven shortfalls that require swift action.