Mining & Trade News

Ministry of Mining

The Ministry is responsible for the overall administration of the mining sector in Malawi. It has two departments; the Department of Mines and Geological Survey.  The Department of Mines’ duties include issuance of licenses, inspection of mining activities to ensure that they are being carried out in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and sensitisation of the general public on mining issues.

The duties of the Geological Survey Department include grass-root exploration and provision of exploration data to interested mining investors. Malawi has carried out a number of surveys over the past years to obtain data that investors can use to follow up on mineral occurrences and the latest surveys include the Geophysical Survey dubbed Kauniuni, which was conducted under the auspices of Mining Governance and Growth Support Project and its follow up the Geological Mapping and Mineral Assessment Project (GEMMAP). The data that can be accessed at the Geological Survey Department head office in Zomba include geological, mineral occurrence, mineral potential and geohazard maps

Contact address:

Private Bag 350

Lilongwe 3

Tel: +265(0) 789492

Mining Review Publications

Based in Prepa Complex in Biwi Triangle Industrial Area in Lilongwe, Mining Review Publications is specialised in providing Media and Public Relations Consulting Services to the mining industry in Malawi. It publishes a monthly newspaper called Mining & Trade Review in print, which has been circulating on the Malawi market since 2009. The publication also appears online on www.miningtradenews.net and social media platforms.

Contact address:

P.O. Box 206,

Lilongwe

Tell: +265 (0) 888 356 536/993 252 656

Export Development Fund

Export Development Fund (EDF) is a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Malawi. In the minerals sector, EDF buys gold and valuable gemstones from Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMS). EDF’s head office is in City Centre, Lilongwe.

Contact Address;

P.O. Box 30063

Capital City

Lilongwe 3

Malawi

Tel: +265 (0) 1 772 720

Fax: +265 (0) 1 772 219

Essential Tours & Travel

Essential Tours and Travel Bureau are experts in domestic and international air ticket bookings, travel consultancy and visa processing support.

They are located at Golden Peacock Shopping Centre in City Centre, Lilongwe in ground floor room B2.

Contact address:

P.O Box 206

Lilongwe, Malawi

Tel: +265 1 770 709/659/694

Mobile: +265 999 308 436/888 300 133/995 645 749

Email: info@essentialtravelmw.com

MINERAL SECTOR CONSULTANTS

Chiwandama Geo-Consultants

Headed by veteran geologist John Nkhoma, who has experience working in government and private mining companies, Chiwandama is a top consulting firm in Malawi’s mining sector. The consulting firm is specialised in geological mapping, mineral exploration and evaluation, geotechnical assessments, mine design and environmental and social impact assessments for mining and quarrying projects. The Company’s headquarters is in Lilongwe.

Contact address:

Cell; 08888825277/0999288441

Email; johnnkhoma@yahoo.com

Akatswiri Mineral Resources

Akatswiri is a key player in Malawi’s minerals sector offering Geology, Geotechnical, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Mining and Construction services. The company which is managed by seasoned geologists Hilton and Josephine Banda has its headquarters in Pijo House, Zomba City.

Contact address;

contact@akatswiri.com

Beyond Consulting

Beyond Consulting are experts in strategy development, team building facilitation, organisation development, motivational speeches, conference/workshop facilitation and customer care services.

Contact address:

Eng. C.K Zulu

P.O Box 1620

Lilongwe, Malawi

Tel: +265 992 855 737

GEOCONSULT LIMITED

GEOCONSULT provides geotechnical services to the minerals sector in Malawi. They are specialists in a number of disciplines including; Geotechnical design which includes foundation design, work on soil and rock strength characteristics, borehole investigations, and technical work on slope stability.

They are also experts in material testing including triaxial testing used in excavations, shallow foundations, piles and deep foundations, earth retaining structures, diaphragm walls, anchors, slope stability, ground improvement, and design of embankments and earth dams.

GEOCONSULT also conducts one-dimensional consolidation of soil samples to enable engineers to ascertain the settlement characteristic of the soil over a given period.

Contact address:

Michael Sabelli-MSc

Managing Director

sabelli@geoconsult.cc

Conquest Geo-consulting

Conquest Geo-consulting are consulting geoscientists with experience in mineral exploration, mining, geology, environmental and social impact assessment, ground water resources, and occupational safety, health and environment.

Contact address:

Tel: +265 999 216 869

Email: igkamz@yahoo.com

Geomine Services

Geomine Services is specialised in minerals, geology, environment and corporate affairs consultancy.

Contact address;

Cell: +265 991019196

Email: geomineservices15@gmail.com

Marcs Media

Marcs Media is the leading media consulting firm serving Malawi’s mineral sector. They are experts in public relations, event organisation, marketing services, production of advertorials, editing, graphic design, social media promotion and printing services.

Cell: + 265 888 356536/993252656

Email: marcsmediamw@gmail.com

Equipment Suppliers

Farming & Engineering Services

Farming & Engineering Services (FES) are suppliers of heavy earth moving equipment used across various sectors including mining, agriculture, and construction.

Contact Address:

Kaohsiung Road,

Mandala,

Blantyre

Tel: +265 1 812 070/061

Equipment & Parts Suppliers

Equipment & Parts Suppliers (EPS) is the distributor of industrial mining, construction equipment and spare parts. The Company located in Area 4, Lilongwe is also specialised in irrigation and industrial diesel engines.

Contact address:

P.O Box 553

Lilongwe

Tel: +265 1 753 806/1 753 867

BrightMarg Engineering (PTY) Limited (BME)

BME are suppliers of industrial spares and equipment including butterfly valves, knife gate valves, slurry and multistage pumps, pressure gauges and transmitters, bearings and pillow blocks, electrical equipment, conveyor belts and rollers, HDPE and industrial rubber hoses, vilton and natural rubber sheets, hydraulic hoses, valves and pumps, stabiliser split sets, and resin anchored roof belts.

Contact address:

Ibrahim Pandor

Country Sales Representative – Malawi

Tel: +265 (0) 999 81 3724

Whatsapp: +265 (0) 88 385 6685

Email: sales@brightmarg.co.za

CAMCO Equipment Limited

CAMCO is a supplier of various equipment including generators, block making machines, concrete mixers, wheel front loaders, vibratory roadrollers and tippers. The Company’s headquarters and main shop is in Area 17 in Lilongwe and its Blantyre Branch is in Mkulumdzi House in Limbe Blantyre.

Contact address:

Lilongwe Head Office

Plot No. 338, along M1 Road, Area 47, P.0. Box 2646, Cell: 09999888678 0999737783

Blantyre Branch: L/C 13 Mkulumadzi House, Churchill Road, Limbe. Cell: 0996913737 or 0882160513

Atlas Copco

With its headquarters in Ginnery Corner, Blantyre, Atlas Copco offers complete compressed air system solutions. The Company also offers mining and rock drilling equipment at ex-factory prices.

Contact address:

Atlas Compressors and Tools Limited

P.O. Box 578

Blantyre, Malawi

Cell; +2659999 96 39 44

Select Agrispare Company

Based in Lilongwe, Select Agrispare Company supplies assorted equipment used in construction and agricultural processing.

Contact Address:

P.O Box 654,

Lilongwe

Email: bhavin84@gmail.com

Cell: +265 888033333/988033333

Tata Zambia Limited – Malawi Branch

Tata is a major supplier of tippers to Malawi’s minerals sector. They also supply a range of vehicles and offer back up support.

Contact:

Paul Kagame Road, Plot number 4/407, Bwaila, Lilongwe

Tel; +265 1 750 646

TK Motors

TK Motors are dealers in earth moving equipment parts and components.

Contact Address:

Off Malangalanga Road

Opposite Crown Lodge

P.O Box 1123

Lilongwe

Cell: +265 999912413

Email: kagwahelton@gmail.com

Thames Commercials

Thames Commercials are specialists in all drilling services with various sized holes ranging from small to large sizes up to 100mm, and blasting services. They also deal in jackhammer hiring, borehole drilling and flushing, concrete demolition services, and all other demolition and mining services.

Contact address:

Gibson M. Makutu (Managing Director)

Cell: +265993911570/+265888121519

Bearing Centre

With shops in both Blantyre and Lilongwe, Bearing Centre are suppliers of a large range of products used in the mining industry in Malawi.

Contact:

Blantyre: +265983705154

Lilongwe: +265983705153

Email: sales@bearingcentre.net

CEMENT SUPPLIERS

Shayona Cement Corporation

Shayona is a giant cement manufacturer whose brands include Akshar (32.5N), Thanthwe (42.5R) and Buildplast (MC 22.5x). These are specialty brands for different construction projects. The company also manufactures concrete blocks. Its headquarters is in Lilongwe and its state of the art cement manufacturing plant is in Kasungu.

Contact address:

P.O. Box 679

Lilongwe

Malawi

Tel: +265 1 752 791/752792

Email: sm@shayonacement.com

Cement Products Limited

Cement Products produces a range of popular cement brands including Tarzan – 42.5 MPA, Njati – 32.5 MPA and NKope – 24 MPA. These are speciality brands for different construction projects. The company has a modern cement plant at Njereza in Mangochi while its headquarters in in Chirimba, Blantyre.

Contact address:

Tel: Blantyre +265 999260

Mangochi/Monkey Bay +265994535133

Lilongwe/Mzuzu +265991024383

Coal Suppliers

Rukuru Mining Limited

Rukuru Mining Limited which owns Chombe Coal Mine in Chiweta in Eastern Rumphi is the largest producer and supplier of coal in Malawi.

The miner supplies coal in form of nuts (20-45mm), which is ideal for manually fed boilers;  peas (6-25mm) which is predominantly used in chain-fed boilers for steam production to power industrial processes; and grain/duff mix (0-6mm), which is used in pulverized coal fired boilers.

Production at Chombe Mine stands at an average of 15 thousand tonnes per year with the mine life pegged at over 25 years.

The uranium market looks promising for Malawi which hosts the Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga currently on care and maintenance.

The former tenement holder Paladin Africa put the mine on care and maintenance following a drop in market prices for uranium due to the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster in Japan which resulted in the closure of many nuclear power plants in Asia reducing demand for the yellow cake.

But as reported in our lead article, Trading Economics indicates that uranium prices were at $91 per pound in early January, holding the surge from late 2023 that took prices to 16-year highs amid strong demand and risks to supply.

Volatile fossil fuel prices and ambitious de-carbonization goals drove the US and 20 other countries to announce that their nuclear power will be tripled by 2050.

The large bets on nuclear energy are led by China, which is building 22 out of 58 global reactors, while Japan restarted projects to increase nuclear power output, and a new reactor in Finland marked Europe’s first new facility in 16 years.

But currently the Malawi Government is negotiating a Mine Development Agreement (MDA) with the present tenement holder Lotus Africa to reopen the mine.

We agree with a mining expert and MD for Chiwandama Geo-Consultants John Nkhoma that with these positive developments on the uranium market, there is need for the Government and Lotus to agree that work to refurbish the plant at Kayelekera starts in readiness for production while the MDA is being finalised.

With such high prices, chances are very high that Lotus will make an investment decision to mine uranium at the site.

Just as Coordinator for Chamber of Mines and Energy Grain Malunga says in the article, the high uranium price is advantageous to both Government and Lotus implying both parties would like to see production resuming at the mine to rake in revenue.

It is sad that Malawi is currently struggling with foreign exchange shortages while it hosts this asset which can rake in millions of dollars through uranium sales.

By delaying production at Kayelekera, Malawi is also denying prospective employees an opportunity to work at the mine.

Besides, reopening the mine will have plenty of other benefits including offering business opportunities to locals including farmers who will be selling their produce to employees at the mine.

As a large scale miner, Lotus will also sign a Community Development Agreement which will ensure that it executes development projects proposed by the community.

The Lilongwe City Council has expressed concern over illegal sand and quarry mining within the city, which is leading to environmental degradation.

The Council’s Director of Parks, Recreation, and Environment Allan Kwanjana in an interview advised construction companies and individuals working on building projects to desist from sourcing the materials from illegal miners.

“The public is hereby informed that carrying out of sand and stone mining activities within the City boundaries is a serious offence punishable by law,” Kwanjana said citing relevant sections in Environmental Management Act and Mines and Minerals Act.

Kwanjana warned the miners to stop the operations immediately saying failure to comply will result in prosecution and heavy penalties.

“The government, through the Council, is dedicated to safeguarding the environment and the well-being of its citizens,” he said.

Kwanjana said the Council is undertaking proactive measures against the situation including identifying mining sites, issuing prohibition notices, deploying enforcement teams, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance.

He said: “However, challenges persist, with resistance from miners leading to confrontations and confiscation of tools. The City Council has designated areas where mining is permissible, but some operators defy regulations, prompting forceful eviction.”

“Currently we are doing this in a number of sites along Lingadzi and Lilongwe rivers. We end up confiscating their working tools and where possible apprehend the culprits and take them to Police for prosecution,” he said.

Kwanjana lamented that small-scale miners involved in the malpractice operate without oversight leading to uncontrolled sand and rock mining along riverbanks, streams, and dambo land, causing land degradation and posing threats to infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

He said attempts to form committees for a coordinated solution have faced setbacks, as key stakeholders like the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Mining have been hesitant to address the issue.

“The environmental impact is evident, with land rendered undevelopable, mosquito breeding grounds formed, river courses diverted, and public infrastructure endangered. Current efforts targeting miners have proven ineffective due to their widespread presence in the city,” he said.

Kwanjana, therefore, said the Council is contemplating a shift in strategy to target buyers and customers in restricted areas.

“The impounding of trucks transporting materials from these zones and leveraging existing legislation to impose penalties and fees are suggested measures to cover enforcement expenses,”Kwanjana said adding that the situation calls for urgent collaborative efforts to curb unsustainable mining practices and preserve Lilongwe’s environment for sustainable development.

However, small scale quarry miners plying their trade in the City told Mining & Trade Review that Government needs to give them licenses and identify appropriate areas where they should be doing their trade.

“We need to be empowered with loans to procure machines and compete with mechanized miners. It is sad that foreigners who have adequate capital including Chinese have dominated the industry putting us out of business,” said a female miner.

Assignment: Supply and delivery of stationery and toner   

Client: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA)

Period: 12 months 

Target Group: Small-Medium Enterprise

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 8th February, 2024

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee (IPDC), Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), MERA Complex, Next Civic Offices, Capital City, P/Bag B-496, Capital City, Lilongwe, Malawi.      

Assignment: Supply and delivery of motor vehicle and cycle tyres, batteries and other accessories 

Client: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA)

Period: 12 months 

Target Group: Small-Medium Enterprise

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 8th February, 2024

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee (IPDC), Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), MERA Complex, Next Civic Offices, Capital City, P/Bag B-496, Capital City, Lilongwe, Malawi.     

Assignment: Procurement of external legal counsel on retainer basis 

Client: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA)

Period: 12 months 

Target Group: Small-Medium Enterprise

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31st January, 2024

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee (IPDC), Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), MERA Complex, Next Civic Offices, Capital City, P/Bag B-496, Capital City, Lilongwe, Malawi.     

Tell: +265 997 301 395 / 886 466 802 / 881 004 259 / 995 050 310

Assignment: Review of the strategic plan  

Client: National Council for Higher Education

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 26th February, 2024

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, National Council for Higher Education, NCHE House, Private Bag B371, Lilongwe 3.

Tell: 265 999 295 411

Email: procurement@nche.ac.mw

Assignment: Audit services of the Public Universities Selection System (PUS)  

Client: National Council for Higher Education

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 26th February, 2024

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, National Council for Higher Education, NCHE House, Private Bag B371, Lilongwe 3.

Tell: 265 999 295 411

Email: procurement@nche.ac.mw

Assignment: Construction of Zomba vehicle testing station in Zomba City    

Client: Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services

Period: 120 days  

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 23rd February, 2024

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee (IPDC), Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services, Private Bag 257, Off Paul Kagame Road, Ground Floor, Reception, Lilongwe 3.

Assignment: Supply and delivery of medicines and medical supplies

Client: Central Medical Stores Trust

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 2nd February, 2024

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee, Central Medical Stores Trust, Tender Box, First Floor, Mzimba Street, Lilongwe, Malawi.  

Assignment: Supply and delivery of medical supplies

Client: Central Medical Stores Trust

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 2nd February, 2024

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee, Central Medical Stores Trust, Tender Box, First Floor, Mzimba Street, Lilongwe, Malawi.  

Assignment: Consultancy services for detailed engineering design, pre-contract and construction supervision of upgrading to asphalt surface of various roads and bridges in the city of Blantyre.     

Client: Blantyre City Council

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 15th February, 2024

Contact:  The IPDC Chairperson, Blantyre City Council, Civic Centre, Town Hall, Private Bag 67, Blantyre.  

Stakeholders in the extractive sector have urged the Malawi Government to finalize the Mine Development Agreement (MDA) for Kayerekera Uranium Mine with tenement holder ASX-listed Lotus Resources following soaring of uranium prices on the global market.

Trading Economics reports that uranium prices were at $91 per pound in early January, holding the surge from late 2023 that took prices to 16-year highs amid strong demand and risks to supply.

Volatile fossil fuel prices and ambitious de-carbonization goals drove the US and 20 other countries to announce that their nuclear power will be tripled by 2050.

The large bets on nuclear energy are led by China, which is building 22 of 58 global reactors, while Japan restarted projects to increase nuclear power output, and a new reactor in Finland marked Europe’s first new facility in 16 years.

“The developments were met with increasing threats to supply. Western utilities continued to voluntarily shun Russian uranium imports due to its invasion of Ukraine, while US officials moved closer to outright banning imports from the world’s top producer of nuclear fuel. Additionally, supply was also pressured by the military coup in Niger and troubles in Canadian mines.”

Commenting on the development, Mining expert John Nkhoma asked both the Malawi Government and Lotus Resources to allow the project to resume with preliminary works including refurbishing the plant though the MDA is yet to be finalized.

Nkhoma, a seasoned geologist and MD for a leading consultancy group Chiwandama GeoConsultants, said he is optimistic that what have remained in the agreement are just few steps that can be finalized in few days.  

He said: “To tell you something, the prices are very succulent. From my perspective, I think preparatory works for mining resumption should commence even though discussions for the MDA are in progress.”

“After all I do not think there are many issues to look into. Maybe they can start warming up the equipment and hiring the company that will be doing mining like Paladin did last time.”

Lotus Resources reported recently that if the MDA is signed by December 2023 as promised by the Ministry of Mining, the company will be able to identify off-takers, secure finances, commence plant refurbishment this year and resume production in 2025.

In a separate interview, Coordinator for Chamber of Mines and Energy in Malawi Grain Malunga said the uranium price hike is advantageous to both Government and Lotus, hence the call to respond to few issues remained in the MDA.

“It is to the advantage of both Lotus and Government. There are few issues for Government to respond to and move on with MDA conclusion,” said Malunga.

Programs Coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Joy Chabwera concurred with Malunga but asked Lotus to ensure that they negotiate a fair deal with the Malawi Government to avoid mistakes made with the previous company.

“It is to the advantage of the government to conclude the MDA for Lotus but it is also important for the company to negotiate a fair deal for Malawi since the Paladin background,” Chabwera said.

The Ministry of Mining indicated recently that the outstanding issues for Lotus’s MDA include; loss carry forward from Paladin; waiver on interest on loans, non-resident tax and dividends; application on resource rent tax about to be concluded and; Lotus’s request of equity share to be at 10% and not at 15% as it was the case with Paladin.

In August 2022, Lotus Resources Limited released a Re-start Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) that highlighted that Kayelekera ranks as one of the lowest capital costs uranium projects globally whilst also having the ability to quickly recommence production once a Final Investment Decision (FID) has been made.

The Kayelekera Uranium Project is the fourth largest uranium asset globally by historical annual production.

The mine, currently on care and maintenance, produced ~11MIbs U3O8 equivalent over five-years between 2009-2014 before the asset was shutdown to preserve its longevity due to a sustained low uranium prices in the aftermath of the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster which resulted in the closure of several nuclear power plants in Asia.

The Kayelekera deposit hosted a total mineral endowment of approximately 60Mlbs U3O8 equivalent when historical production (11Mlbs) and the current resource (46.3Mt at 500ppm U3O8 for 46.3Mlbs U3O8) are accounted for. 

The Company also owns the Livingstonia Uranium deposit (6.9Mt at 320 ppm U3O8) in Malawi. Combined Kayelekera and Livingstonia account for a total global Mineral Resource Estimate for the Company in Malawi to 49.4Mt at 475ppm U3O8 for 51.1Mlbs U3O8.

Kayelekera is a sandstone-hosted uranium deposit associated with the Permian Karoo sediments and is hosted by the Kayelekera member of the North Rukuru sediments of the Karoo. The mineralisation is associated with seven variably oxidised course-grained arkose units, separated by shales and chocolate-coloured mudstones.

Uranium mineralisation occurs as lenses primarily within the arkose units and, to a lesser extent, in the mudstone units. The lowest level of known mineralisation currently is at a depth of approximately 160m below surface. 

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Malawi Women in Mining (MAWIMA) and Women in Energy, Extractives and Mining (WEEM) have merged to form the Malawi Federation of Women and Youth in Mining (MFWYM), Mining & Trade Review has learnt.

Vice President of MAFWYM Ashley Simbeye Maleta said in an interview that the newly formed federation commences its operations this month.

Maleta said the Federation has been formed to fulfill the conditions set by the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Women in Mining that require women in mining in a country to speak with one voice.

“MAFWYM has been formed so that MAWIMA and WEEMA should speak with one voice regarding issues of mining in Malawi. Though we have different strategic plans, we are all Malawian women and secondly we are in the same sector and it was just imperative that we have one body representing the country at any SADC fora or event,” she said.

Maleta, who was speaking on behalf of MAFWYM President Annie Kamanga, disclosed that the leadership of the new body comes from the merged associations and that there is balance of power though the new body is being treated as an independent registered institution.

“For its smooth growth, MAFWYM will incorporate cooperatives in the mining sector apart from individuals. Those looking for broader markets are free to join but there will be a fee. This will help in easy monitoring of the association and we are encouraging people who are self-driven and result oriented to join us,” said Maleta.

The vison for the new body is to create a platform for its members to achieve professional development and economic empowerment for accomplishments of entrepreneurial exploits, initiatives and development endeavours.

The new body also wants to forge a partnership with relevant stakeholders for women to achieve their optimal participation in the mining sector as well as increase women and youth representation in the mining industry as they help in the contribution of the SADC economic growth agenda.

“MAFWYM will help us speak with one voice in terms of identifying opportunities in a coordinated manner and facilitate integration, empowerment and success of African labourers and women and youth entrepreneurs in and around the mining sector,” reads a statement from MAFWYM.

It explains that the objectives of the new body include: provision of support, care and healing interventions to women and youth infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and to victims of gender based violence around mines through capacity building.

The body will also take a leading role in promoting and supporting the advancement of women in the mining sector, enhancing the entrepreneurial development of women and youth owned enterprises in mining as well as increasing members’ awareness of the legislative process and legislation relating to the mining industry.

The new body will also be involved in raising empowerment funds and funding for women and youth in the mining sector.

With just two weeks to go before the Investing in Africa annual mining indaba starts, Malawi’s Ministry of Mining is yet to solicit funds to attend the Indaba that takes place in Cape Town, South Africa.

This year’s indaba which will be held from February 5 to 8, 2024, aims to celebrate Mining Indaba’s 30th anniversary by taking a new direction and purpose under the theme of ‘Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining.’

The indaba outlines the need for Africa’s mining industry to embrace a solution and a path towards positive change in order to become a meaningful global competitor as key minerals are required to drive a sustainable future for the planet.

For Malawi, the indaba serves as platform to market its mineral potential to potential mining investors around the global.

But in an interview, Public Relations Officer for the Ministry Tiwonge Kampondeni told Mining & Trade Review that the Ministry is still looking for funds to attend the event.

“We are expected to participate and at the moment we are looking for resources to enable us to attend the meeting this year,” said Kampondeni.

Last year, the Ministry failed to have a pavilion at the indaba similarly due to lack of financial resources.

Commenting on the development, National Coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Kennedy Rashid blamed the Ministry of Finance for not being serious in funding some of the priority sectors highlighted in Malawi 2063 economic agenda such as mining.

Rashid said the country has huge mineral potential that requires marketing and that the mining indaba is a huge opportunity to woe investors into the country.

He said: “The challenge we have is that the Ministry of Finance has not been serious in financing the priority sectors that are expected to generate revenue and transform the economy.”

“Our Ministry of Finance, to be honest, has never stepped up to support the sector as other countries in the region have been doing.”

“The expectation that the private sector is going to develop the country is good but also the regulation and development of the sector require investment.”

“Attending international conferences like the mining indaba to at least market the country is what we need for companies out there to know what we have.”

Rashid said the Ministry is supposed to have a pavilion with all the Information, Education and Communication Materials (IEC Materials) on Malawi’s minerals sector.

He said: “We need to be serious with the sector and the Ministry of Mining should not be lacking resources to attend important events.”

“The lack of resources in the Ministry only shows that our government is not serious about mining,” said Rashid.

Apart from solid mineral potential, Malawi has petroleum and gas blocks that are vacant up to date that require to be marketed to investors.

Despite the absence of a government pavilion at the Indaba, multinational exploration companies working in Malawi such as Lindian Resources, Mkango Resources, Sovereign Metals and Lotus Resources always attend the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba.

Shortage of decent accommodation in Lilongwe due to drastic increase in the number of foreign tourists that have travelled to the City mainly to attend the Crossover crusade presided over by renowned prophet Shepherd Bushiri of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) on December 31, 2023 has exposed the need for construction of more hotels in the Capital City.

Sunbird Hotels Marketing Manager Temwa Kanjadza confirmed that the number of visitors in the Group’s hotels in Lilongwe has soared as many foreigners have entered Lilongwe to attend Crossover ceremonies for ECG, Glorious Light International of Bishop Abraham Simama and Good News Ministry of Prophet Gondwe, among others.

Said Kanjadza.”It is true we have seen an upsurge in the number of occupants in our two hotels in Lilongwe (Sunbird Capital and Lilongwe). Though other visitors are merely on holiday this being a festive season, I know some are also here because of the overnight crusades as religious tourists and we are happy with that.”

Kanjadza, however, could not be drawn to disclose the exact number of foreign occupants in the two hotels saying it is confidential.

ECG Public Relations Officer Aubrey Kusakala said they have received visitors from as far as the USA, Australia, Germany, UK, Canada, Nigeria, South Africa. Zambia and Zimbabwe, just to mention a few.

”We are expecting to have over 15,000 international visitors. These visitors have filled up most of the lodges and hotels in Mponela, Dowa and Lilongwe. Some are in private homes while those travelling by bus will arrive on the 31st and will return soon after the Crossover on January 1, 2024, which is dubbed Wealth Transfer,” said Kusakala.

Mponela has seen an increase in the number of tourism establishments with its close proximity to the city of Lilongwe an added advantage.

The town has hotels such as Linde, Kalipano and Chikho plus a good number of beautiful lodges.

Kusakala was also hopeful that after attending the church service, the visitors will be able to go to tourism attractions such as Lake Malawi, the crocodile farm and Start Grant cichlids fishery in Salima, Mulanje Mountain, Kalipano Hotel in Dowa, Ku Chawe Inn, as well as tea estates in  in Thyolo and Mulanje, and Mulanje Mountain.

Founder of Glorious Light International Church Bishop Abraham Simama explained to  Mining and Review that there are also expecting many visitors coming from neighbouring countries with some coming from as far as Nigeria.

“This year’s Crossover will be one of the best and we are expecting a huge number of visitors. We just praise God for his grace which has taken us this far. From Nigeria we will have Prophetes Yinka and Anne who were inspired by the late Prophet TB Joshua who also mentored me,” said Simama who is also owner of Simama Hotel.

Glorius Light International Pastor Salim Chankhwantha said his church will receive many visitors from Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania to attend the crossover.

Good News Ministries of Prophet Gondwe has also not been left behind as it is receiving visitors who normally follow church proceedings on Facebook, according to the Church administrator Benson Katsekela and church member Grace Alli.

Minister of tourism Vera Kamtukule said she is very much excited with the increased number of people coming to Malawi as the year is coming to an end.

She said the development has come at the right time when the country is working hard to position itself as the prime destination for tourists in this part of Africa.

Said Kamtukule: ”As a Minister I am very happy that we are able to attract tourists. This shows that we are on the right track. There are several tourism areas we can attract people into such as sports, music as well as religion. I would love to see many visitors coming even during Easter Holidays.”

The Minister said she will give all the necessary support to players in the tourism sector so that visitors should always feel the warm heart of Africa whenever they are in Malawi.

“When these visitors come, whether for religious purposes or otherwise they will also visit places of attraction and spend some forex. Malawi is beautiful and we must all play our roles to market this country,” said Kantukule who disclosed that she is aware of 15,000 visitors coming to attend the ECG Crossover.

Minister of Mining Monica Chang’anamuno has expressed concern over the spread of fake news about mining on social media.

”My ministry is concerned with the tendency by some unpatriotic people who are spreading false information especially through social media. We sometimes spend a lot of resources to investigate these unsubstantiated reports only to discover at the end of the day that they are lies,” Chang’anamuno said when she opened the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Indaba in Lilongwe.

She urged media practitioners to report facts to avoid confusing the populace as well as investors.

“Sometimes we read reports in the media which are lacking and not fully investigated. We love you media practitioners as partners in development but whenever you are not sure about a subject, please seek clarification from my Ministry,” she said.

Chang’anamuno said if well nurtured and fully utilized to its maximum potential, the mining sector can ably compete with agriculture in contributing to the economy.

“Even the President His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera is following with very keen interest developments in the mining sector and we know as a Ministry we have his total support,” she said.

First Principal Secretary in the Ministry Joseph Mkandawire in an interview expressed concern that the Ministry at one point hired a helicopter from Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to check illegal mining activities in Vwaza Game Reserve as reported on social media only to find out that the pictures being circulated were from one of the countries in West Africa.

“We spent millions to pay for fuel for the helicopter and even MDF personnel only to hit a blank wall. This malpractice of spreading false information must stop because sometimes it brings unnecessary fear to investors,” said Mkandawire.

Dr Charles Kankuzi, a lecturer at the University of Malawi, in his contribution during deliberations also touched on the issue of false information and misrepresentation of facts in mining sector.

He urged government and all stakeholders in the mining industry to take a leading role in information dissemination if the vice is to be nipped in the bud.

Former Minister of Mining Grain Malunga, who also graced the event, while commending the media for their role in developing mining said mining being a technical subject, there was need for specialization to avoid creating unnecessary tension through misreporting.