Mining & Trade News

The Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid (NCA/DCA) Malawi Country Programme (JCP) has asked all players in the extractives sector to join hands in advocating for good mining governance that contends inequality in the sector by giving power to all players including communities in mining areas.

In his keynote address at the 7th Malawi Alternative Mining Indaba 2025 (MWAMI2025), Country Director for NCA/DCA Malawi JCP Stefan Jansen said now it is time to start seeing mining activities benefiting the local communities.  

Jansen said: “Let this Indaba be more than a conference but also a movement where communities speak the truth to power, and where government, civil society, and industry stand shoulder to shoulder not to extract more, but to build better.”

“A movement that insists our minerals must power our schools, our hospitals, our solar grids, not just distant factories and foreign stock markets.”

“If we say, “Power to the People,” then power must mean something real; land rights, transparency, fair contracts, clean water, and voices that are heard and respected.”

Jansen said benefits of mining to the country will remain only a dream if players do not transform the mining sector to benefit the grassroots; and power the nation’s industrialization to realise the Malawi Vision 2063 dream of becoming an inclusively wealthy, self-reliant, and industrialised upper-middle-income country.

“The presidential ban on raw mineral exports gives us a strong foundation. But now, we must build the house; a just, inclusive, and sustainable mining economy that truly serves Malawians,” he said.

Jansen, however, acknowledged progress made in the sector including; the creation of the National Mining Company, the establishment of a new regulatory authority and increased funding to the sector which are signs of government commitment. He, however lamented the tendency of making progress on paper and not on the ground, saying it is what is killing the sector in the country.

Jensen said: “Our teams at NCA-DCA, together with our partners, have spent time in the mining communities and the stories we hear are deeply troubling.”

“While budgets grow, secrecy over licensing persists. While policies multiply, illegal mining continues. While contracts are signed, communities remain silenced. Citizens are still left in the dark about who benefits and who bears the cost. Too often, miners, strangers, arrive on ancestral land without courtesy and without our knowledge. This is not the energy future we want.”

The indaba which was organized under the theme ‘Power to the People: Owning Malawi’s Energy Future’ attracted players from Government, Civil Society Organisations, private companies, traditional leaders, community members, and various media outlets.  

Acting Director for the Department of Mines in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Mphatso Chikoti hailed the indaba saying it brought together diverse stakeholders including women, youth, communities, and private sector actors who were not just participating but actively redefining what inclusive and sustainable development means for Malawi. Chikoti said there can be no sustainable mining without the full, meaningful, and equitable participation of all citizens across the mining value chain.

He said: “This forum reminds us that progress is not built overnight but step by step through dialogue and collaboration.” “Indeed, since we last met in Mangochi, we have continued to build on that collective foundation.”

“The 2024 Indaba in Mangochi called upon all of us to strengthen transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the sector.”

“I am pleased to report that we have made significant strides since that engagement.” Chikoti applauded the strategic political alignment saying it underscores Government’s recognition of the mining sector as a key pillar for transforming Malawi’s economy, enhancing industrialisation, and generating the much-needed foreign exchange.

He said the merger of natural resources, energy, and mining under one ministry is not by coincidence but a reflection of Government’s understanding of the strong interlinkages between the three sectors.

Chikoti explained: “Mining requires reliable and affordable energy while energy development depends on access to critical minerals; and both depend on sustainable management of our natural resources. Having them under one roof ensures integrated planning, and coordinated implementation in order to maximise socio-economic impact.”

Malawi currently has over 1,200 mineral licences including for key projects such as Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga, Kanyika Niobium and Tantalum Project in Mzimba, Songwe Rare Earths Project in Phalombe, Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Balaka, and Kasiya Rutile and Graphite Project in Lilongwe.

Chikoti also said through Malawi Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) the Ministry has intensified enforcement operations in several hotspots across the country which are complemented by formalisation drives and awareness campaigns targeting ASMs.

He said: “Through the Mines and Minerals Act, mining companies are now required to submit employment, procurement, and business development plans that prioritise Malawian participation, in addition to the mandatory Community Development Agreements required by large-scale mining licence holders, to ensure that local communities directly benefit from mining projects.”

“Devolution of mining functions from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining to district councils is in its final stages to strengthen local-level oversight and integrate mining governance into district development planning.”

“However, progress on the ground must be matched with progress in our policies and for this reason, the Ministry has continued to review and modernize the frameworks that guide our sector.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry is in the process of reviewing the Mines and Minerals Policy of 2013 to align it with emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, digital mining systems, and sustainability-focused innovations to ensure legal and policy frameworks remain relevant and future-ready.

It is also in final stages of finalising the ASM Policy, a dedicated policy expected to provide clear guidance and protection for artisanal miners, strengthen safety and environmental compliance, promote access to finance and markets, and ensure that small-scale mining contributes meaningfully to both local and national economic development.

Currently, the mining sector is rocked with challenges of illegal mining, limited local capacity, environmental degradation, and low community awareness.  

Government has been urged to decentralise the mining sector to give districts with mineral deposits more power in decision making in the extraction of the minerals and utilization of revenue from mineral sales to ensure increased benefits of mining in development of the districts.

Phalombe District Commissioner Douglas Moffat made the appeal during an orientation workshop for the district council officials and civil society organisations in the district on mining governance and just energy transition (JET).

He said the decentralisation of the mining sector to district councils would help officials to carry out governance issues on mining and ensure that communities are sensitised on how the mining industry operates. Moffat said decentralization wouldl also help the coucils to have adequate funding as well as increasing  the number of qualified personnel to handle mining issues including scaling up awareness to the local communities.

He said: "Mining is happening in the villages at Area Development Committee (ADC) level. We need somebody who has the capacity, the know-how, trained in mining, and geological capacities. We do not have that.

Therefore, if that capacity is only existing in Lilongwe, that is a problem. How are we going to advise local people and the miners on whatever has been written in line with the Mining Law? We need that capacity at the district level so that we can advise the council adequately.

"We cannot facilitate the mining processes if we do not have the capacity. Otherwise, it is going to be trouble. We have heard where local people rise against the office of the District Commissioner (DC) whenever there is a mining company with necessary papers doing its job. It is because there is no capacity, the office of the DC struggles to align with the demand when such services are required. So, it is indispensable for the mining sector to devolve and make sure that it has specific officers to handle mining issues in the district."

Moffat suggested that government should pilot the designation of mining officers in all districts which are experiencing an increase in the proliferation of mining activities. Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA) Executive Director Herbert Mwalukomo, whose organisation arranged the orientation meeting, said it is crucial to build the capacity of local councils with knowledge on mint ing laws and regulations.

“One of the natural resources that the country is endowed with are minerals. Knowing that government recently signed some mining development agreements including with Mkango Resources for rare earth mining in Phalombe, we saw it a necessity to come here and work with various stakeholders including the community to increase awareness of various stages of the mining project,” he said.

Phalombe District is rich in rare earth minerals with major deposits at Songwe Hill. Director of Mining in the Ministry of Energy and Mining Mphatso Chikoti and Leonard Mushani Principal Economist in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development were among the resource persons at the meeting.

The Malawi Mining Regulatory Authority, which governs mining activities in Malawi including issuing of licences, operates from the capital city Lilongwe but the country has regional Mines Offices in Blantyre and Mzuzu.

Decentralisation will ensure that District Mining Officers are appointed and increase access to mining services by rural communities whose areas host a number of mining projects.

Communities in Balaka District have raised concerns over environmental degradation, water pollution and limited community benefits from mining activities in their areas, calling for transparency and accountability from both mining companies and government authorities.

The concerns were voiced during a meeting at Balaka District Town Hall Meeting, organized by ActionAid Malawi in collaboration with the Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) under the Climate Just Transition for Mining-Affected Communities Project.

The meeting brought together communities and duty bearers from Traditional Authorities Chathunya, Phalula, and Nsamala to discuss challenges resulting from mining activities and agree on practical solutions for fair and climate-just practices in the sector. ActionAid Malawi Project Officer Charles Fines Phiri said the meeting aimed to bridge the gap between affected communities and authorities in the mining value chain.

Phiri said: “The main purpose of this meeting was to bring together duty bearers and the communities affected by mining activities.”

“We have identified  several challenges, including environmental degradation and gender inequalities in the sharing of mining dividends. Youth and women are marginalized and getting very little from these activities.”

He expressed concern over serious environmental risks in the district, citing mercury pollution in one of the rivers under Traditional Authority Phalula.  

“The pollution comes from the use of mercury in gold processing, which is harmful to people, animals and plants in the area,” he said. Phiri said the town hall discussions resulted in positive progress, as communities openly shared their experiences and authorities responded with timelines to address the issues raised.

“Duty bearers have committed to take action and communities are waiting patiently to see change on the ground,” he said.

The one-year project, funded by SwedBio runs from January 2025 to January 2026, targeting over 800 beneficiaries across Balaka and Nkhotakota districts. A community representative, Alena Maseko from Kangamkunde Village under T/A Chathunya, expressed mixed feelings about the conduct of Lindian Resources, a company operating in the area.

Maseko said: “We are aware of the environmental effects of the mining activities, especially dust from the road construction near our homes.”

“The company repaired our broken water pipes after complaints, but the dust problem persists and is endangering our health.” She added that despite promises to reduce dust by watering roads daily and providing milk to nearby residents to mitigate dust inhalation risks, the company has not fully honored these commitments.

She said: “They said they would be watering the roads daily and giving milk to residents, but this has not been happening.”  

“Sometimes it takes two or more days without them watering the roads.” Maseko also raised questions over the status of the Kangankhunde Forest, which the community has long relied on for tree planting, bamboo and beekeeping.

“The forest was listed as a village forest in the second phase of compensation by Lindian, but we do not know who will receive the compensation or how it will be calculated,” she explained.

The Balaka Town Hall Meeting is part of ActionAid’s broader initiative to promote a climate-just transition in Malawi’s mining and energy sectors by enhancing community participation, gender equity, and transparency.

Balaka is a beehive of mining activities. Besides the Australian Company Lindian Resources pursuing one of the largest rare earth resources at Kangankunde, Portalnd Cement is also mining limestone at Chenkumbi where it has developed a clinker plant. There is also small scale limestone and alluvial gold mining in the district.

Mkango Resources has entered into a Project Development Funding Agreement with the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the U.S. government’s development finance institution, to secure US$ 4.6 million in reimbursable funding as part of the DFC’s Project Development strategy for the Songwe Hill rare earth project in Phalombe.

The funds will support Project Development activities in the form of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and value engineering studies.

Mkango President Alexander Lemon explains in a statement:  “The Project Development Funding will be equally matched by the firm’s contributions over the next 18 months.”

“Further, for a period until five years after the termination of the Agreement, the DFC will have the right (but not the obligation) to directly provide and/or arrange for financing or investment for the Project on commercial terms substantially comparable to or better than the terms of other financing options available to finance the Project when considered in conjunction with the other benefits brought by DFC to the Project in connection with the Project Development,” states Lemon.

The DFC’s Project Development product is part of the U.S. Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act and provides support for high-impact companies to overcome operational, financial, and developmental challenges, thereby enhancing project viability and readiness for future investment.

Project Development Funding is tailored for projects with the potential to receive later DFC project financing of 100 Million U.S dollars construction financing.

Lemon says: “I am delighted to announce the participation of the DFC to assist Mkango to fast track the development of the Songwe Hill Rare Earth Mining Project in Malawi.”

“The US Government’s DFC recognizes the game-changing development potential of the Songwe Hill Rare Earths deposit and this initial Project Development Funding provides a path for Mkango to secure the longer-term development funding needed to develop Songwe Hill and positions the Mkango group as one of the few key players in the global rare earth supply chain.”

About the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, established in 2019 with bipartisan support under President Trump, is America’s development finance institution. DFC partners with the private sector to advance U.S. foreign policy and strengthen national security by mobilizing private capital around the world.

DFC invests across strategic sectors including critical minerals, modern infrastructure, and advanced technology — fostering economic development, supporting U.S. interests, and delivering returns to American taxpayers.

USA NASDAQ Stock Exchange Listing

Mkango’s corporate strategy is to become a market leader in the production of rare earths.

Lancaster Exploration Limited (expected to be renamed Mkango Rare Earths Limited), owner of the Songwe Hill Rare Earths Project ("Songwe Hill") which will be producing a high value add purified mixed rare earth carbonate in Malawi and is designated as a strategic project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, is also applying for a listing on the New York US Nasdaq which will be the first Malawian business to list as a publicly traded company in the USA. Songwe Hill is also supported by the Minerals Security Partnership. The company will also be listing on the Malawi Stock Exchange.

Songwe Hill is part of a vertically integrated, pure-play global rare earth platform, with the goal to provide a mined, refined and separated supply of rare earth oxides to supply chains across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Songwe Hill is one of the very few rare earth projects globally to have completed a NI 43-101 compliant Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS"), with a full Environmental, Social, Health Impact Assessment ("ESHIA") completed in compliance with IFC Performance Standards.

The Ministry of Mining has with immediate effect suspended all small scale gold mining operations in Kasungu District following a tragic accident which has cost lives of eight people and injured five in Kasalika Village, Traditional Authority Suza’s area.

Principal Secretary Betchani Tchereni and Director General for Mining and Mineral Resources Regulatory Authority Samuel Sakhuta state in a joint Press Release that the ban will allow them to finalise their due diligence on the incident that resulted from informal artisanal gold mining activities that continue to attract multitudes in the district.

In accordance with the Mines and Minerals Act, 2023, (No. 25 of 2023), Section 35, any reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration, or mining without a valid mineral tenement or artisanal mining permit constitutes a criminal offence. Offenders are liable to a fine of K20,000,000 and imprisonment for up to four years and that courts may also order land rehabilitation, with costs recoverable as a debt to the government if the offender fails to comply.

Reads the statement from the Ministry: “The Ministry and the Authority extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirm their commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future.”

“The Ministry of Mining as well as the MMRA are aware that illegal mining operations are taking place in several parts of the country, involving a range of minerals.”

“Based on the site visit that the MMRA carried out on 30th September, 2025, there are more people involved in illegal mining activities in the area which pose serious risks to public safety, the environment, and the integrity of the mining sector despite the efforts taken to curb the malpractice across the country.

“MMRA will enhance enforcement by carrying out joint inspections with law enforcement agencies to close illegal operations and prosecute offenders.”

The MMRA also announced that it will carry out community awareness campaigns aiming at intensifying education efforts across affected districts to highlight the dangers and legal requirements of mining.

The statement says: “The Ministry of Mining and the MMRA are carrying out a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances of the recent incident and identify those responsible.”

“The Ministry of Mining will train cooperatives that will be formed in these areas while the MMRA will issue small-scale mining licences to formalise the activities.”

The Ministry of Mining and the MMRA appealed to community leaders and local authorities to discourage illegal mining and promote legal alternatives as well as support in monitoring and reporting of illegal mining. They also urged Malawians to report illegal activities, particularly where safety is at risk.

But reacting to the statement, Artisanal Small-scale Mining (ASM) consultant Chikomeni Manda said the ban will just worsen the situation as currently the escalating illegal mining activities across the country are due to another ban on exporting of gemstones as well as delays by the Ministry to issue ASM licences.

Manda said: “Do you think this ban will hold in Kasungu? No, it is just like the gemstone export ban that has not worked because smuggling has increased hence activities of only legal operators have been impeded.”

 “Why can Government not sit down with the miners/ ASM Federation, CSOs and many other stakeholders to find a proper solution to address some of these challenges being faced than imposing these useless bans which do not work at all?”

He reiterated the need for Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) who are buying gold across the country to start giving back to the community by offering trainings to ASMs.

Mining Expert and Geoscientist Ignatius Kamwanje said the blame on the incident should go to both Government and the community.

Kamwanje explained that government should be blamed for delaying in formalizing the ASMs and dealing with illegal miners as well as lack of regular monitoring, inspections, sensitization, capacity building, and health and safety awareness in ASM sites. He said: “The miners are to blame as well. Safety was compromised.”  

“The MMRA should have enough funding for inspectors to be on the ground to sensitize these miners on the dangers of illegal mining.”

“ASM mining hotspots should be designated formal areas, well mapped and monitored by the government. This will offset other undesignated areas as no go zones.”

Kamwanje concurred with Manda in slamming the ban saying government needs to encourage illegal miners to form cooperatives through all formal licencing processes.

“The government banning ASM activities is not a solution. The government has a prerogative to preach to ASMs the benefits of responsible/ sustainable mining, health and safety and other regulations. The government should engage the illegal ASMs to get licenced.” said Kamwanje.

Programs/MEAL Officer for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Biswas Ishmael said it is difficult for the government to stop gold mining activities as they are many doing it with the intention of earning a living. Ishmael said the major challenge is that the communities involved in the mining activities are much connected to government structures.   He said: “The continued market for gold just like charcoal in Malawi makes the situation more difficult to contain.”

“Lack of consistency in doing things in the governance structures brings doubt as to whether those monitoring can be sustained.”

“The tendency of some government officials of grabbing tenements from locals in these hotspots to grant to influential individuals from elsewhere forces the locals to continue searching for other gold-rich spots.”

The deceased in the Kasungu accident were identified as Mphatso Banda, Sindama Mnyanja, Lydia Mpando, Labani Kawongo, Idah Chikondi, Tiyamike Phiri, Galeson Mpanganachi Chibwezi, Kamputeni Harrison Banda, and Grace Chisale.

Kasungu Police Public Relations Officer Joseph Kachikho expressed concern that rescue efforts were complicated by the lack of proper equipment and the unstable nature of the site.

Sub-Traditional Authority Suza said there is need to introduce regulations to govern mining activities in the area to ensure safe practices stressing that “We cannot keep losing lives like this."

Chairperson of Kasungu Civil Society Organisation Network Braxton Banda urged the authorities to treat the situation with the urgency it deserves.

"We are calling on stakeholders to ensure that both the environment and the lives of people are protected. We also urge the Ministry of Mining to intervene by providing appropriate machinery and safety gear to make mining safer for the communities who depend on it,” Banda said.

Another mine accident involving ASMs recently occurred in Balaka District where it killed one miner and left others with minor injuries.

The Ministry of Mining says the revision of the Explosives Act (Cap. 14:09 of 1968) is in final stages, and the remaining processes include inter-ministerial consultations and finalization meetings with the Ministry of Justice to prepare the Bill for submission to Cabinet and later Parliament.

Responding to a written questionnaire, Public Relations Officer for the Ministry Tiwonge Kampondeni told Mining and Trade Review that the Ministry already submitted a funding proposal for the final activities to facilitate completion of the process to the Ministry of Finance in April 2025.

Kampondeni said: “The Ministry of Mining has been leading the review and modernization of the Explosives Act of 1968 and the process of revising the Act is now at an advanced stage.”

“A draft Explosives Bill and its subsidiary Regulations have already been developed, validated through stakeholder consultations held in Mulanje, Dowa, and Nkhatabay, and subsequently submitted with drafting instructions to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for final legal drafting and processing.”

The proposed Explosives Bill introduces several important reforms intended to align Malawi’s explosives management regime with modern mining, safety, and environmental standards. Some of the notable changes include: introduction of new types of licences and permits including for manufacturing, importation, disposal, and fireworks.

Kampondeni said the new Act will also introduce standardized forms for licence and permit applications as well as revision and rationalization of licence and permit fees through an updated fee schedule.

She explained: “The new Act will also include mandatory record-keeping requirements for all holders of licenses and permits; qualification and experience standards for persons authorized to handle or use explosives including loosely, certification process like shot firers and magazine masters.”

“It will also enhance safety, environmental protection, and incident reporting provisions and establish a Directorate of Explosives and an Explosives Committee to strengthen institutional oversight.”

Kampondeni said the Ministry is optimistic that the modernization of the Explosives Act will have significant positive impacts on the mining sector and related industries.

She said the new Law will promote safe and responsible use of explosives, reducing risks to workers, the public, and the environment.

Kampondeni explained that the modern Act will enhance efficiency in licensing and regulation, providing clear procedures and timeframes for approval and renewal. She said: “The new Act will encourage professional competence among users through defined qualification standards and also facilitate compliance with environmental and occupational safety regulations, supporting sustainable mining practices.”

“It will also strengthen law enforcement and accountability through higher penalties, defined offences, and corporate responsibility provisions.”

“Overall, the revised legal framework will create a safer, more transparent, and more efficient operating environment for the mining sector, while ensuring that Malawi’s regulatory systems remain current and internationally competitive.”

For over 57 years now, Malawi’s extractives sector has been using the old Explosives Act which includes laws that do not align with the current mining status. Stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have been advocating for Government to fast track the process of reviewing the Act.

The newly elected President of the Malawi Women in Mining Association (MAWIMA) Ashley Simbeye says she will prioritize empowerment, safety and fair representation of women in mining establishments in the country.

Simbeye told Mining & Trade Review that her victory at MAWIMA polls was both an honour and a responsibility, one she intends to carry with humility and determination.

“I feel deeply honoured, humbled and inspired to be entrusted with this role. This is not just a position for me but also a call to serve women in mining across Malawi, to amplify their voices and ensure they take their rightful place in the mining sector,” she said.

Simbeye explained that her election comes at a time when women miners are grappling with significant challenges ranging from unsafe working environments to limited access to resources.

She said, “I will push for stronger enforcement of safety standards, for accessible protective gear and for community-led safety committees where women miners themselves take part in monitoring and accountability.”

While safety is a pressing concern, Simbeye also noted that women in mining face a broader set of barriers including poor working conditions, limited representation in policy spaces, economic vulnerability and cultural stereotypes that undermine their contributions.

She said in addressing these challenges, MAWIMA will assist in building solidarity among women miners while advocating for gender-sensitive policies at national level.

“Being elected means so much more than holding a title. It reflects the confidence and hope my fellow women miners have placed in me. That trust fuels me to work harder to bring about meaningful change. I may feel overwhelmed sometimes, but I am fueled by passion and commitment to serve,” she said.

Simbeye revealed that her strategy will rest on three interconnected pillars namely safety and health, economic empowerment and advocacy. Under economic empowerment, she intends to champion training programs, access to credit and market linkages that will allow women miners to maximize the value of their work.

“We have women producing gemstones, quarry products, and small-scale gold, but most of them sell their minerals informally at low prices. With proper training, financial literacy and market connections, these women can turn their mining into viable businesses that support their families and communities,” she said.

Simbeye also stressed the need to decentralize MAWIMA’s structures so that women miners in rural districts are not excluded from the association’s programs.

“Our association must reach women on the ground. Decentralization will ensure that those in remote areas, who often face the toughest conditions, also have a voice and access to opportunities.”

She said her leadership will focus on ensuring that women miners are visible in decision-making spaces.

“Too often, women miners are left out of the big policy discussions about mining in Malawi. I want to see our voices included when laws, regulations and investment decisions are made.

Women make up a significant part of the workforce in artisanal and small-scale mining and their input should never be an afterthought,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey to leadership, Simbeye said she sees her election as a symbol of what is possible when women unite around a shared vision. She described MAWIMA not only as a professional platform but also as a community where women miners support and uplift each other.

She said, “this presidency belongs to all women in mining as much as it belongs to me. Together we will shape a future where our contributions are visible, valued, and celebrated. With unity, we can turn our challenges into opportunities and build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive mining sector for all.”

President of the Federation of Women and Youth in Mining (FWYM), Annie Kamanga, called on the newly elected leadership of MAWIMA to prioritize licensing for women miners, strengthen member engagement and advance women’s participation across mining value chains.

“If women miners are given the tools, financing and recognition, we can turn a lot of minerals into both livelihood opportunities and a solution for Malawi’s mining and economic sector,” Kamanga said.

Founded in 2014, MAWIMA is a membership-based organization that represents women in Malawi’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector. The association advocates for better working conditions, provides training and networking opportunities and works to advance the participation of women in the industry.

Lilongwe City Council (LCC) has awarded a K2.56-billion contract for the completion of a 1.4-kilometre tarmac road stretching from Mtsinje Ground to ZBS in Area 24 to FNC Engineering Company

The project, which stalled for some time, has resumed with funding from Malawi Government and is viewed as a critical milestone in the council’s mission to enhance infrastructure and improve the quality of life for Lilongwe City residents.

LCC Director of Engineering Julius Tsogolan said the initiative reflects the council’s broader strategy of developing a well-planned, clean, and safe city with reliable infrastructure and services.

He said the construction project will empower locals through employment opportunities.

“By hiring community members, we are making sure the project goes beyond a new road surface. It creates economic opportunities for residents and reinforces our goal of inclusive development,” Tsogolan said.

FNC Engineering MD Fishan Chikofya assured both the council and the Area 24 community of the project’s durability, citing the company’s proven record in road construction. He said the new road will improve mobility in the area, reduce travel time and promote local commerce.

“The road will not only enhance connectivity but also create a ripple effect of economic growth by linking people to services, businesses and opportunities,” Chikofya said.

Road upgrades are essential in reducing congestion, facilitating trade and laying the foundation for a modern and prosperous city.

The capital city has of late seen a number of road expansion projects, and the notable ones include the expansion of the Saulos Chilima Highway from Old Town to City Centre, Mzimba Street from Kamuzu Centre Hospital Roundabout to Crossroads RoadaAbout and the road from Area 18  Interchange to Kanengo Industrial area which are now a six lane roads.

The Ministry of Mining says the Malawi Mining Cadastral Portal, introduced in 2016 to improve transparency in the licensing of mineral rights, has achieved its purpose of opening up data to the general public.

Acting Director of Mines in the Ministry of Mining Mphatso Chikoti said the cadastral portal has transformed access to mining information that was previously hidden from the public.

“People did not know which areas were free or not when applying for licenses. The portal now provides expiry dates of licenses, ownership details, and the minerals found in each area. These were not available before, but today anyone can view these,” he said.

He explained that the system is updated in real time as officers are always entering new applications or modifying license details.

Chikoti also said the Ministry is aworking on upgrades that will allow applicants to apply for mining licenses online.

However, he admitted that frequent legal reforms have delayed progress as the portal was initially configured under the Mines and Minerals Act of 1981 but later had to be adjusted to align with the 2019 Act, and again with the 2023 Act.

“These changes affected the updating of the portal but it is now underway,” Chikoti said.

Commenting in a separate interview, National coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Kennedy Rashid agreed that the computerized system has improved transparency compared to the previous paper-based system but he expressed concern that the cadestre remains inconsistent hence has not fully met expectations.

“The portal has made licensing data more accessible and reduced secrecy in allocation. But irregular updates, incomplete data, and lack of proactive communication mean it has not fully delivered on accountability,” he said.

Rashid added that public awareness of the portal is very low, particularly at community level.

“There has been little systematic effort by government to train communities or watchdog groups on how to use the platform. Awareness is largely driven by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and international partners. Most affected communities do not know it exists, let alone how to interpret its data,” he said.

Rashid said the portal also faces technical challenges, which include inconsistent updating of information, limited detail on contracts and beneficial ownership and difficulties for ordinary users due to its technical design and poor internet connectivity to rural communities.

He said with these problems, the portal is not yet fully aligned with the provisions of the new mining law, (Mines and Minerals Act of 2023) which emphasizes on transparency in licensing, disclosure of mining contracts, and community participation.

The cadastral portal consists of license maps and status updates. Rashid argued that without integration of contract disclosure and reporting features, the system falls short of the law’s requirements.

He called for various reforms to make the cadastre more effective including regular and comprehensive updates to include mining contracts, environmental management plans and financial payments and also simplifying the user interface and linking the portal with other transparency programmes such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

“Government should organize training sessions for local governments, community representatives, and civil society organizations to build capacity in using and interpreting data. Without this, ordinary citizens cannot use the portal for accountability,” Rashid said.

For Malawi, the mining cadastral portal represents more than technology. It is a test of how far the country is willing to go in making resources management both efficient and accessible.