Mining & Trade News

Federation of Artisanal and Small Scale Miners (FASMM) President Percy Maleta conducted an educational visit to Tanzania’s small scale gold mines. Mining & Trade Review’s Tawonga Nyirenda Mayuni engaged Maleta to find out what he learnt from the visit. Excepts

• What were the primary objectives of your educational visit to Tanzania’s small scale gold mining sites?

The main objective was to learn from Tanzania’s successful approach to formalizing and empowering the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) subsector. Tanzania has established strong institutional frameworks, including cooperatives and partnerships between government, miners, and private investors. For us in Malawi, this visit aimed to draw lessons on how to organize, regulate, and commercialize ASM operations to ensure miners benefit fairly from their work while contributing meaningfully to the national economy.

• What key insights or knowledge have you gained from this visit so far?

We have learnt that structured organization, policy consistency, and supportive infrastructure are key to ASM success. In Tanzania, the presence of gold trading centres, mineral associations, and strong collaboration with the Central Bank ensures transparency and better pricing for miners. We have also seen the power of value addition and local beneficiation, where miners do not just extract but also process and refine their minerals locally.

• In what way does this experience support the development of Malawi’s ASM subsector?

This visit provides us with a practical roadmap to improve our own ASM ecosystem. We have seen how decentralization of licensing, creation of mineral markets, and technical support can uplift small-scale miners from survivalist activities to sustainable enterprises. These lessons will help FASMM engage policymakers and advocate for a more enabling environment for ASM operations in Malawi.

• How important is regional knowledge sharing and capacity building among artisanal miners across neighbouring countries?

It is extremely important. Our challenges in ASM are similar—lack of access to finance, equipment, markets, and technical expertise. Regional collaboration allows us to exchange ideas, technologies, and solutions that have already worked elsewhere. It also builds solidarity among miners, ensuring we grow together as a region rather than in isolation.

•  How can exposure to international mining exhibitions and interactions with officials benefit Malawian miners?

Such exposure opens up new possibilities. Our miners can learn about emerging technologies, safer mining practices, and access to markets beyond our borders. Interacting with officials and experts helps build networks for investment and technical support. It also boosts confidence among our miners, showing them that they are part of a global industry with real opportunities for growth.

• During your visit, you met Tanzanian officials from the Ministry responsible for mining and gold dealers. What specific outcomes or collaborations did you  achieve through these engagements?

We hope to establish partnerships for training, mentorship, and knowledge exchange. We also aim to explore possibilities of linking our miners to established gold dealers and refineries in Tanzania for fair trade and better value realization. Furthermore, we want to harmonize cross-border trade policies to make it easier for ASM operators to benefit legally and transparently from regional markets.

• Are there particular policies, practices, or technological approaches from Tanzania that Malawi could consider adopting?

Yes, several. Tanzania’s establishment of Mineral Trading Centers is a game changer—we would like to replicate that model to reduce smuggling and increase local revenue. Also, their cooperative model, where small miners work under registered associations with shared equipment and government support, is something Malawi can adopt. On the technology side, Tanzania’s small-scale gold processing facilities and mercury-free recovery systems are worth introducing in Malawi.

• In your opinion, how can mining exhibitions and international interactions foster partnerships, facilitate technology transfer, and improve market access for artisanal miners?

Exhibitions create direct linkages between miners, equipment suppliers, financiers, and buyers. They expose our miners to innovations that make mining safer, cleaner, and more productive. Through these events, we can attract investment into Malawi’s ASM sector, build partnerships for training, and open pathways for our gemstones and gold to reach fair international markets.

• Are there specific innovations or technological advancements you were interested in exploring during this tour?

Yes, we are particularly interested in small-scale processing technologies that are environmentally friendly, such as mercury-free gold recovery systems, and affordable gemstone cutting and polishing machines. We also want to understand how Tanzania has integrated digital systems in licensing and mineral traceability, which enhances transparency and market confidence.

• How do you envision regional cooperation among Malawi, Tanzania, and other neighboring countries strengthening artisanal mining industries?

Regional cooperation can create a powerful block of shared knowledge, fair trade, and stronger bargaining power in global markets. By aligning our mining policies, sharing geological data, and standardizing pricing mechanisms, we can protect the interests of small miners and ensure they benefit fully from their labor. It can also reduce illegal cross-border trading and promote responsible sourcing.

• What strategies or steps can be implemented to enhance cross-border collaboration and facilitate effective information exchange?

We propose creating a regional ASM platform or network for continuous dialogue among miners’ associations, ministries, and the private sector. Joint training programs, exchange visits, and shared research can enhance learning. Governments can also formalize bilateral agreements to support legal trade, harmonize taxes, and simplify procedures for small miners moving goods or equipment across borders

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