Mining & Trade News

The Malawi Government says it is implementing a number of strategic reforms in the mining sector aimed at stimulating economic growth and maximizing returns from the country's rich mineral resources.

These reforms are outlined in the 2025 Economic and Fiscal Policy Statement by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Honourable Simplex Chithyola Banda.

Chithyola Banda reports that following the gazetting of the Mines and Minerals Act in 2023, the government established the Mines and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) in July 2024.

He says: “The Authority is now fully operational, with a Director General, Board of Directors, and technical officers deployed through secondment arrangements.”

“In the 2025/26 fiscal year, government will continue to build the capacity of the MMRA, and complete the recruitment process to ensure it delivers on its mandate.”

Chithyola Banda also says that in a bid to ensure that the country retains significant value from its natural resources, government is advancing the operationalization of the Malawi Mining Investment Company, a state-owned enterprise.

“The registration of the company is in its final stages. The 2025/26 fiscal year will focus on making the Malawi Mining Company fully operational as the company will strengthen government’s strategic role in the sector,” he says.

To improve transparency and efficiency in the allocation of mining rights, the Minister states that the government has pledged to champion transparency in mining agreements, licensing, and revenue flows. This includes maintaining open access to the cadastre system and consistent reporting through the Malawi Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (MWEITI).

Chithyola Banda says: “In the 2025/26 financial year, the government will modernize the mineral licensing process by strengthening the web-based cadastral system.”

“This system will enhance accountability and reduce bureaucratic delays in issuing mining licenses and will make sure that mining companies are complying with environmental regulations, uphold human rights, and fulfil their tax obligations.”

The Minister also highlights that the government is now focusing on exploring high-value minerals crucial for green technologies. These include rare earth elements, lithium, and graphite.

“Increased efforts will be directed towards conducting geoscientific surveys and assessments in areas with high potential for critical minerals.”

Chithyola Baznda also says while recognizing the potential of artisanal miners, government has pledged to finalize the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Policy in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

“The policy aims to create an enabling framework for ASM activities, while also facilitating access to capital and modern technologies for small-scale miners,” he says.

The Minister also discloses that Malawi is working with the Commonwealth Secretariat (COMSEC) to revise the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, in order to align it with international best practices. Plans are also in place to re-demarcate oil and gas blocs to optimize exploration and production potential.

Chithyola Banda also says government will conduct a comprehensive review of the Mines and Minerals Policy and develop new regulations under the Mines and Minerals Act.

He also says efforts are underway to revise the Explosives Act (1968) to strengthen oversight of explosives usage within the mining sector.

“Alongside the Act, the Explosives Regulations will also be drafted, addressing operational practices and safety protocols.”

The outlined reforms reflect a growing recognition by the Government of the mining sector’s role in Malawi’s long-term development agenda. If successfully implemented, the reforms could unlock significant economic opportunities, create jobs, and increase revenue generation from both large-scale and small-scale mining operations.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM), which is operating the gold structured market through its subsidiary Export Development Fund (EDF) is buying the precious mineral at a price higher than the price on the international gold market.

Mining & Trade Review has established that the Central Bank is buying gold at MK260, 000 per gram surpassing the international market price which is now at around US$100.24 equivalent to MK172,795 per gram on a rate of Mk1,727.38 to a dollar.

Commenting on the development, Coordinator for Chamber of Mines and Energy Grain Malunga opined that the decision by RBM is aimed at competing with the black market whose prices keep on escalating. Malunga said even though the target is to dominate the market, the central bank is at risk of losing more money in a move to curb illegal trading.

He said: “The RBM is trying to capture all the gold being produced in Malawi and is setting its price competing against the illegal market.”

“The negative impact is that the Bank will lose a lot of money while trying to curb illegal trading.”

MD for Maleta Gems and Jewelry, Percy Maleta said buying gold at that price has negative impact to the countries’ economy including inefficiencies in the economy and putting pressure on foreign exchange reserves.  

Maleta said: “Buying gold at a K260,000 premiums over international prices could lead to inflation, distort market dynamics, and strain the country's budget.”

“It may create inefficiencies in the economy and put pressure on foreign exchange reserves.”

ASM consultant Chikomeni Manda commented that RBM is likely make loses the time they will think of selling the gold. Manda said: “It is very surprising to see RBM offering the highest buying price of gold in the whole world.”

“I think they are doing this to compete with the black market buyers, who are buying the gold using the black market dollar exchange rate.”

“With such an abnormal price, it will be very impossible for RBM to make a profit out of the gold.”

In a separate interview, Mining Expert Ignatius Kamwanje however said RBM’s offer of high gold purchasing prices to ASMs is an encouragement to local miners to start taking mining as a serious business in return to increasing the Bank’s reserves. On the other hand, he feels that the decision would influence smuggling of gold from outside the country to be sold at RBM at a higher price.

  Kamwanje said: “The government is pegging highly possibly because they want to accumulate enough reserves by encouraging locals to mine and sell to RBM.”

“By doing so there is rampant gold mining, unfortunately others are still doing it illegally.”

“But the negative impact could arise from those who smuggle gold from outside the country to sell in Malawi leading to competition with locals and this externalizes the much-needed forex in one way or another leading to forex shortage.”

RBM, which also buys precious gemstones from ASMs, established the structured gold market in 2021 and has to date managed to purchase gold amounting to 293 kilograms valued at US$27 million which is about MK47 billion.  

The Ministry of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with institutions of higher learning and financial bodies, has rolled out initiatives aimed at equipping individual Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) and cooperatives with the necessary skills, technology, and funding to enable them process minerals locally before exporting.

In an interview with Mining and Trade Review, Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Limbikani Kachiwaya explained that the Malawi Government has introduced programs to train the miners, provide processing equipment, and facilitate access to financing.

“We are determined to ensure that our minerals add more value to the economy before leaving the country,” Kachiwaya said.

He explained that at the heart of this initiative is the incubation program at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) center in Mponela. The facility provides training and access to value addition machinery, enabling miners to refine and enhance their raw materials.

“This program allows aspiring miners to gain hands-on experience with cutting and polishing techniques, among other skills,” he said.

To strengthen these efforts, the government has partnered with the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) and the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) to establish industrial parks that will double as incubation centers.

“Machinery from previous government programs has already been donated to these institutions, and an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is set to be signed soon. The industrial park at MUBAS is nearing completion, with equipment installation at 99 percent, while work at MUST is ongoing,” he said.

In addition to training individual miners, the government has facilitated the formation of mining cooperatives, with 10 groups already receiving training in partnership with the Department of Mines in the Ministry of Mining.

“These cooperatives are expected to benefit from the expertise at MUBAS and MUST, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills to produce high-quality, market-ready mineral products. The training programs are scheduled to commence in this financial year,” Kachiwaya said.

To ensure that small-scale miners have the financial backing to transition from raw mineral extraction to value addition, the Ministry of Trade has engaged the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).

“The Ministry has successfully written a proposal to NEEF for a dedicated loan product tailored for mining cooperatives. Eligible groups can now access up to K250 million, with potential extensions up to K500 million for viable projects. This funding will allow cooperatives to acquire advanced processing machines from international suppliers and establish production lines capable of competing in both local and foreign markets,” he said.

Another key element of the government’s approach will be the formation of a union that will bring together primary cooperatives. This will enhance production capacity and ensure that locally processed minerals are produced in large quantities to penetrate international markets.

“Small-scale miners, when working individually, lack the capacity to scale up production. But by pooling resources under a union, they can operate at an industrial level and negotiate better prices on the global market,” Kachiwaya stated.

In a separate interview, Acting Director for Mines in the Ministry of Mining, Mphatso Chikoti explained that the Ministry of Mining developed the Mines and Minerals Policy (2013-under review) which, among others, promotes investment in downstream value-addition of minerals in the country—for instance, cutting and polishing of gemstones and production of jewellery.

He said that the Ministry has a Laboratory and Research Division, founded in 1981 alongside other divisions of the Department of Mines. This division was established to provide training to small-scale artisanal miners and mining cooperatives on how to use processing and refining equipment.

“Additionally, it delivers training to improve the quality of mined products. Training on mineral processing technologies and proper gemstone grading methods ensures an improvement in the quality of the final products,” Chikoti said.

He also stressed the need for formalization, noting that illegal mining remains a significant challenge to value addition efforts. Chikoti explained that illegal miners, often operating in remote areas, continue to use rudimentary methods that make it difficult to enforce quality standards and provide support.

“Illegal mining is one of the biggest setbacks to our sector’s growth. It undermines government efforts to ensure that minerals are properly processed before being sold. We are working on formalization programs to educate and integrate these miners into the legal system,” he said.

Chikoti said that the Ministry of Mining has been engaging stakeholders, including large-scale mining companies, to encourage responsible mining practices and investment in local processing facilities.

In a separate interview, Sovereign Services Managing Director Frank Eagar expressed support to the government’s push for value addition.

He said his company, which is developing the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project, believes that local processing will be a game-changer for the economy.

“Sovereign Metals sees great potential in developing value-added industries around our Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project. Processing minerals within Malawi will not only create jobs but also maximize the revenue that stays in the country,” he said.

Eagar explained that once a mining licence is granted, his company will commit to align with national beneficiation goals. He hailed government support so far, particularly in processing approvals and easing bureaucratic problems through Technical Working Groups, saying it has been instrumental in facilitating Kasiya exploration activities.

Eagar said: “However, the lack of accredited laboratories for mineral sample testing, limited incentives such as tax holidays or waivers, and the country's ongoing foreign exchange constraints affecting fund repatriation may discourage investors,”

Eagar warned.  “Our current role is focused on exploration, but once we transition into mining, we expect value addition to naturally attract industries that use rutile and graphite. This could spur local industrialization and enhance the global competitiveness of Malawi’s mining sector.”

As Malawi continues to develop its mining sector, the focus remains on ensuring that mineral wealth translates into tangible economic benefits. By equipping miners with skills, providing financial support, and enforcing cooperative structures, the government is positioning the sector for sustainable growth.

Government has commended Sovereign Services for its commitment to responsible mining practices through the land rehabilitation efforts at its Kasiya Rutile Project exploration site.

During a recent visit to the Sovereign rehabilitation site, members of the Lilongwe District Council Special Planning Area Taskforce for the Kasiya Rutile Project observed firsthand the successful restoration of land previously used for a mining and rehabilitation trial.

During the tour, Deputy Commissioner for Physical Planning in the Ministry of Lands and a member of the taskforce, Phillimon Mkwezalamba, described the outcome as a benchmark for responsible resource development in Malawi as it transitioned from an open excavation pit back to productive agricultural land.

"We first came here to appreciate the rehabilitation site when it was dug. This time around, we have come to appreciate what they have done to bring back the soil to its original form and plant the different crops that are here.  The first word is it's truly amazing. It's amazing because we didn't expect to see things like this. When we hear about mining, [the perception often] is that people just open the soils and then once they have taken whatever they want, they just go," Mr Mkwezalamba stated.

He further explained the comprehensive nature of Sovereign’s rehabilitation, noting: "They have told us about the processes, how they have done it to make sure that the soil is back to usable levels; we have really seen it to say that indeed this is possible that after doing the open-cast mining... they are able to bring the soils back and then put them to use."

Mr Mkwezalamba highlighted the various techniques employed, including the planting of diverse crops, intercropping, the use of vetiver grass and bamboo for soil conservation, and the application of soil science to restore carbon levels and productivity, potentially making the land "even more [productive] than how it was in the first place."

He further addressed the distinction between current activities and future potential mining, stating that mining activities do go through various stages, and that the area has been going through exploration activities, and Sovereign Services has not been given the licence to mine, but a licence to explore.

“So, it means there is no way we can say they are mining, because they are not given that licence yet,” he continued.

He confirmed that the work involves taking small samples for testing to determine mineral quantity and quality, not large-scale extraction for commercial sale. Addressing potential concerns among local communities regarding land use, Mr Mkwezalamba emphasised the temporary nature of land disruption during exploration and mining phases.

"I think what I can say is that there is need for continued engagement with the farmers and the locals. There should be massive sensitisation; it will just be for a short period of time.,” he explained to local people.

He also pointed to thriving maize and other crops as evidence of the land's restored potential, which could lead to "bumper harvests" and improved local livelihoods through modern farming practices learned during the rehabilitation process, undertaken collaboratively with local landowners.

And Director of Planning and Development at the Lilongwe District Council and another taskforce member, Willard Chirwa, echoed these positive sentiments, saying: "We came here when there was an excavation; today we came to see the restoration. I'm very much impressed with what has been done here. Because the land has been restored in its former glory, and we have seen the immense bumper yield come out of it."

Mr Chirwa viewed the rehabilitation as exceeding expectations and highlighted the socio-economic benefits.

"The harvest that will come from this land will by far exceed the original harvest because of the new technology that is applied," he observed.

He further noted the project's value as a model, stating: "As a council, we are happy because it will be like a training lab for other people. This will be the standard."

He added that if implemented fully, the project promises a bright future for the Khongoni area, Lilongwe District, and Malawi as a whole. Both officials acknowledged the government's role in overseeing the process, ensuring legal compliance regarding land use planning and compensation, and coordinating between Sovereign, local chiefs, council offices, and the communities to safeguard livelihoods and ensure fair treatment.

The Kasiya Rutile Deposit is poised to become a cornerstone of Malawi’s economic development, creating employment opportunities and generating significant revenue for the country.

Sovereign Services is working closely with the Government of Malawi and local communities to ensure the project delivers lasting benefits, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for sustainable growth and community empowerment.

Local Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM) have formed an umbrella body to fight the common problems they face in the industry.

Percy Maleta, Managing Director for Maleta Gems and Jewels and PL Treasurers said the initiative was mooted because the ASM subsector plays a crucial role in economic development of the country.

He said: "The Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining subsector plays a critical role in development yet faces numerous challenges, including inadequate policy support, unsafe working conditions and limited access to markets and mining. To address these issues, the Mining Federation for ASM is being established as a unified voice for miners in gemstones, gold, quarrying, ceramics and other areas."

Maleta appealed to mining associations to seriously consider joining the federation to enable it advocate for the pressing issues.

He said: "We invite all legitimate mining associations to join the federation, unite with a strong voice and work together to create a sustainable, thriving ASM subsector. It is high time we changed and believed that together, we can make a difference.”

"The federation aims to create a strong, collective voice for ASM operators, advocating for better policies and access to the resources necessary for growth and development."

"This initiative seeks to bring together all legitimate associations and stakeholders, ensuring that ASMs needs are heard at national level and international levels."

Currently, ASMs are facing both local and international hitches with the Ministry of Mining imposing a 21-day ban to export some of the minerals such as gemstones and gold which has been extended to two months.

The imposing of tariffs by the US government on goods from selected countries worldwide, including Malawi, has also taken a toll on their trade.

Key Focus Areas

1. Advocacy and Policy: Championing favourable policies and legal frameworks for ASM

2. Capacity Building: Providing training on mining techniques, safety and sustainability

3. Access to Finance and Technology: Facilitating partnerships to support financing and technological advancements

4. Environmental Sustainability: Promoting responsible mining practices to reduce environmental impact

5. Market Access: Connecting miners to legitimate buyers and ensuring fair trade.

6. Health and Safety: Improving working conditions through better safety standards

7. Gender Equality and Inclusivity: Ensuring equal opportunities for Women and marginalised groups in the industry.

ASX-listed Lindian Resources has announced that early-stage site works have officially commenced at the its flagship Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi’s Balaka District, which is a key milestone in the delivery of one of the world’s most significant undeveloped rare earth assets.

Lindian’s Chair of Project Delivery Zac Komur explained in a Press Statement that following on from the start of construction of a new 5-kilometre access road in February 2025, the Company has commenced initial civil and infrastructure development. Komur said these works form part of a broader acceleration strategy to de-risk Stage 1 construction and fast-track development.

“This proactive step underscores the new management team’s focused approach to accelerating the delivery of Stage 1 of the project.” he said.

Lindian has achieved a number of milestones in the preliminary development of Stage 1 of the Kangankunde Rare Earth Mining Project including:

• Pre-construction earth works have commenced to fast-track development timelines and reduce costs • Plant processing and product storage areas have been completed

• Equipment laydown and storage areas have been completed

• Management site offices and security yards have been completed

• Current access road works are significantly ahead of schedule and on track for    completion in Q2 2025.

Due to the current road works being substantially ahead of schedule the Company has been able to utilise equipment and skilled workers from the road crews which has presented considerable time and cost benefits to the Company in the commencement of these early work programs.

Komur explained that importantly, the Company has prioritised local workforce participation, with over 70% of current site-based roles filled by local workers. Skills development and training programs are being rolled out to expand the workforce as the project progresses, creating long-term economic opportunities in the region which will ultimately benefit the construction of Kangankunde.

Komur stated: “The initiation of these projects showcases Lindian’s dedication to progressing Kangankunde with both urgency and a fresh perspective. By assembling a seasoned construction team and collaborating with skilled contractors to optimise initial infrastructure development, we are establishing a strong groundwork for effective project execution.”

“Through collaboration, best practice efficiencies and on-site management the current road works are ahead of schedule allowing for the Company to utilise equipment and skilled personnel, delivering pre-development time and significant cost savings. This milestone signifies our commitment to providing lasting value for shareholders whilst fast-tracking the development of Kangankunde.”

Additionally, Lindian is actively collaborating with local communities to ensure that the project contributes positively to the region, offering employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. The Company is developing training programs to equip local workers with the necessary skills to participate in the project, thereby enhancing the socio-economic benefits for the surrounding areas.

“Lindian is dedicated to upholding high standards of safety and sustainability throughout the project lifecycle. The Kangankunde Rare Earths Project not only represents a significant opportunity for the Company but also holds the promise of playing a crucial role in the global supply chain of rare earth elements, which are essential for technologies critical to the clean energy shift,” said Komur.

This announcement reinforces Lindian Resources’ position as an aspiring leader in the critical minerals sector, driving forward the energy transition through sustainable development practices.

He stated: “The Company remains committed to maintaining transparency and open communication with all stakeholders as the project progresses. The management team is also prioritising environmental stewardship by implementing best practices to minimize the ecological impact of the development.”

“Lindian is committed to sustainable development practices, including:

• Adopting best-in-class environmental management standards

• Partnering with local businesses and suppliers

• Supporting socio-economic uplift for surrounding communities.”

Doing gemstone mining business is not for faint-hearted individuals as it takes patience and resilience for one to 'discover' the precious mineral ores for the market.

The process is hectic, labourious and energy-sapping as the miner must be physically and mentally fit.

The mining task is almost akin to the age-old phenomenon of treasure hunting, which is the pursuit of hidden wealth.

In Malawi, in which gemstone mining is not fully a well-structured industry in comparison to neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania, it is mainly done by small-scale artisanal miners and is mainly dominated by men who are naturally weather-battered.

But a young lady Jayne Chapomba has defied the odds. Jayne, who was raised in a mining family with her father a gemstone miner, followed her heart to take up mining as a business when she was just 19 years old.

Now at 32, It has paid off. Jayne has been one of successful artisanal miners and traders with her company registered under El Minerals Jayne Chapomba Gemstones.

"I have grown up seeing stones and having a father who always travelled to the mines. I took keen interest to know what really happens there. Seeing different types of stones every day motivated me to know the source and how it is done. I was always used to my father, who has been in the mining industry for 50 years now, how they do it. He could only explain but I wanted to see the exact thing. That is how I started."

Being a middle-aged lady and venturing into mining entrepreneurship, which is not only taxing but also least expected of a lady of that age, has made her grow a thick skin.

Said Chapomba: "Mining business has made me grow a lot as a person. I am very streetwise because of this business. It is not for faint-hearted individuals. I have gained a lot of knowledge over the years, among others, on how to mine. What is the season of mining? What are the signs that the land has precious stones buried underneath? I normally go to prospect before mining."

Commenting on what does mining entail, she says it involves extracting gems and precious stones from the earth for purposes of jewelry while others keep in their belief that some stones have healing powers to chase bad luck.

Chapomba says mining is rewarding and has enabled her acquire property which she would not have managed. She has also used earnings to invest in other business ventures.

Apart from her own socio-economic development, the former local tennis star says mining has helped her create job opportunities.

"Mining is very sophisticated indeed. I am currently operating alone. Of course. under my father's guidance. But I have 40 employees in Nsanje, Ntcheu six, Mzimba 12. There are also employees in Lilongwe and Balaka where I also operate."

The outspoken entrepreneur, who studied business and marketing, says she has big plans to invest more in mining. She is also studying gemology with a South African University. Chapomba urges those who are in the industry or aspirants to register their firms for them to benefit more.

ASX-listed Sovereign Metals says it has launched extensive geotechnical drilling programs at its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Central Malawi, marking a critical step towards the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Sovereign MD Frank Eagar says the programs are currently underway at key infrastructure sites within the project area and are expected to conclude in the coming weeks.

He says: “The investigations are covering various infrastructure zones including the North and South mining areas, processing plants, the tailings storage facility (TSF), raw water storage dam, Kasiya substation, logistics routes such as the railway spur and access roads, and accommodation camps for both permanent and contract staff”.

Eagar highlights that these studies are being conducted under the supervision of the Sovereign-Rio Tinto Technical Committee, with input from international consultants and a dedicated in-house technical team.

Eagar explains that the work follows the completion of the Optimised Prefeasibility Study (OPFS), which was concluded in January 2025 and laid out the foundation for a large-scale, long-life mining operation.

“Following the completion of our Optimised Prefeasibility Study in January, DRA Global Limited and a number of tier one consultants have been appointed to advance the DFS in combination with our highly experienced owner’s team,” Eagar says.

He explains that the current geotechnical programs are focused on collecting critical data that will determine the best locations for key infrastructure while ensuring minimal environmental and social impact.

“Comprehensive data is being gathered from these field programs and will determine optimal locations for our key project infrastructure. We remain on track to complete a DFS in quarter four of 2025,” he says.

The geotechnical work is essential for understanding the physical properties of ground conditions that will host major infrastructure. A variety of investigative methods are being deployed at the site, including diamond core drilling, spiral augur drilling, trenching, pitting using excavators, cone penetration tests (CPTu), and Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW).

“In addition, ground geophysics using active seismic techniques and resistivity surveys are being applied to better understand subsurface conditions”, Eagar says.

Eagar further explains that the OPFS has already outlined a vision for a robust mining operation that will produce substantial volumes of natural rutile and graphite as the layout proposed in the study was determined after evaluating technical, environmental, and social factors, with a strong focus on minimizing the project’s footprint.

He emphasizes that the company’s planning remains centred on responsible development, saying “Our primary design objectives have always been to minimize environmental and social impact while keeping facilities as central and efficient as possible to the mine pits”.

In addition to the geotechnical investigations, the company is also progressing its 2024 infill drilling campaign, which aims to provide more accurate geological data. An updated mineral resource estimate is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2025, which will further strengthen the DFS.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining players had an audience with Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba where, among others, they lodged a complaint about the government decision to extend an initial 21-day suspension of export of gemstones to two months now.

The meeting drew representatives from Nyasa Mining Cooperative, Percy Maleta, Women and Youth Mining Federation's Annie Kamanga, Perekezi ASM Consultants Chikomeni Manda and Gold Association of Malawi's Regan Donda.

Maleta, who is also MD for Maleta Gems and Jewels and PL Treasurers Limited said the Ministry of Trade is equally important in addressing the issue because the mining industry is all about trade.

"The meeting took place in Lilongwe at the Ministry of Industry and Trade. We met him because we believe his Ministry plays a crucial role to advance our mining business and besides, in as much we tend to lean more to the Ministry of Mining, ours is trade.”

Maleta commended the Minister of Trade for accommodating them to a round table discussion on short notice following prevailing hitches the miners have been subjected to following US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on goods from 145 countries worldwide, including Malawi.

The US President's decision was followed by another domestically-induced hurdle when the Minister of Mining Ken Zikhale Ng'oma imposed a 21-day suspension of gemstone and gold exports, allegedly to police illegal mining and exports.

This decision has negatively affected the miners as they cannot carry out trade activities for the minerals. They argue that blanket suspension was unfair to registered miners as it encourages illegal exports, thereby, denying government the much-needed revenue collection through tax and other related duties.

Maleta said the meeting was a breakthrough and provided an insight to the Minister on the challenges and hurdles they meet in course of their work as ASMs.

"The Ministry will start working on short term solutions while looking at and addressing the long term issues," he said.

On her part, Kamanga said the meeting was ground-breaking, saying: "The Minister of Trade and Industry responded favourably to the concerns raised. Officials acknowledged the significant contribution of ASM to the national economy and the urgent need to address the existing gaps.”

"The Ministry is committed to immediate, action-oriented follow up meetings within the month, aimed at reviewing export policy, establishing marketing linkages for ASM products, and enhancing coordination between trade and mining policy."

In an interview, Ministry of Trade Spokesperson Patrick Botha confirmed that it was a successful and cordial meeting as the Minister pledged to address the issues that the ASMs raised, which impacts revenue generation.

Botha said:"The meeting was basically a closed one aimed at appreciating issues in the artisanal mining, how they can grow by, among others, forming cooperatives or strengthening cooperatives, value addition such as gem-cutting and polishing, markets and protection against foreign infestation into the artisanal mining sector.”

"The Minister asked the participants to provide him with what they think would be practical solutions to their problems since they are the ones on the ground so government can take practical steps to address them."

"There will be another meeting where strategic direction on the issue will be given."