Mining & Trade News

Stakeholders in the extractives sector have welcomed the newly appointed Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Honourable Jean Mathanga MP wishing her success in transforming the sector into a key economic enabler as defined in Malawi 2063.

A number of key stakeholders have conveyed best wishes to the new Minister including the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining itself, Malawi Mining and Mineral Resources Regulatory Authority, Malawi Mining Investment Company, Mkango Resources, Trinity Ventures, Cement Products, Crown Minerals. Terrastone, Sovereign Metals, Lotus Resources, DY6 Metals, Globe Metals and Mining, Akatswiri Mineral Resources, Equipment & Parts, and Shayona Cement Corporation.

The office of the President and Cabinet announced Mathanga’s appointment on October 30, 2025 in State President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s full cabinet list.

The appointment came after Mutharika had instituted a ban on the exportation of raw minerals from Malawi which has hit hard exploration companies that export samples for processing in laboratories outside Malawi and small-scale miners who export rough gemstones.  

Coordinator for Chamber of Mines and Energy Grain Malunga in an interview asked the Minister to ensure that she understands the process of mineral resource development and the role of sampling in discovering a mineral deposit. “The issue of samples and export of raw minerals such as gemstones are a big challenge for Malawians to understand,” he said.

Project Exploration Geologist [Africa] for DY6 Metals Geoffrey Chimzimu Banda commented that it is important for government to continue implementing some of the productive initiatives left by the previous administration such as supporting the work of Malawi Mining Investment Company (Mamico) to ensure sustainable mineral resource management. Banda said in order to ensure transparency and accountability, the government should employ qualified geologists to monitor and police mineral activities along the country’s borders and airports to curb illegal mineral smuggling and ensure that all mining operations comply with national laws and environmental standards.

He said: “Furthermore, the government should encourage mineral exploration by supporting geological surveys and creating a conducive environment for international investors to attract foreign direct investment, generate revenue, and expand employment opportunities within the sector.”

­­“It is also crucial for the government to engage all stakeholders and clarify its position on current mining bans, ensuring that decisions are informed by technical expertise. Mining is a sensitive and strategic industry; therefore, professional geologists, mining engineers, and environmental experts must be involved in the decision-making process.”

“In addition, the government should invest in civic education on mining to promote public understanding of the sector’s importance and challenges. Introducing mining as a subject in secondary schools would be a strategic step towards early awareness, capacity building, and skill development. Employing young geologists and mining engineers as educators would not only enhance awareness but also create much-needed jobs for graduates in these fields.”  

Taxation Experts urged government to review the statutory fiscal regime for the mining sector and ensure that it does not open it for project level negotiations as was the intention in 2016 when Malawi’s fiscal regime was amended.

“By ensuring that the fiscal regime is determined by the law as is the case in Zambia, Chile and Australia, there will be greater revenue certainty for the government, lower risk of protracted negotiations and unnecessary tax exemptions and better stability and security,” said a commentator Rachel Etter Phoya.

Investors from India asked the Government to sign a double taxation treaty with India in order to prevent the taxation of the same income in both countries, which is a stumbling block for investment in Malawi.

President of the Federation of Artisanal and Small-scale Miners in Malawi (FASM} Percy Maleta asked the new administration to support Artisanal and Small-scale Miners saying ASMs retain most proceeds within Malawi, stimulate local employment, and increase government revenue.

Maleta said: “Supporting local value addition is welcomed as it increases earnings for local miners but current capacity and infrastructure are insufficient for large-scale processing and marketing of finished products.”

“ASMs should continue exporting rough minerals while gradually building capacity through training, technology transfer, and market development. Premature restrictions on rough exports could limit growth.”­

Chairperson for Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) Robert Mkwezalamba urged the new Minister to bring order in the sector in line with Mines and Minerals Act (2023) so that those doing illegal mining are clearly identified while the government is trying to set up itself.

Coordinator for Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) Kennedy Rashid called on the new Minister to make natural resources work for all Malawians through transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Rashid also called for urgent reforms in the mining sector by strengthening institutional capacity, streamlining licensing to support ASMs, and ensuring contract and revenue disclosure by championing the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI).

He said: “We further advise prioritizing community benefits, strict environmental stewardship, and meaningful public participation. The current government needs to work on the policies and laws in the extractives sector to align with Malawi 2063 Vision, African Green Minerals Strategy and the Africa Mining Vision.”

“By doing so, Malawi can transform its mineral wealth into a genuine driver of sustainable and equitable national development.” He also appealed to the new Minister to ensure that she prioritizes building an enabling environment in the extractives sector, mainstreaming value realization, and developing strong revenue management systems.

Southern Region Leader for National Youth in Mining (NAYOMI) Aubrey Duwa appealed to the new Minister to consider giving the youth training and loans in order to operate legally in the sector. Duwa said many youths in the sector are considered illegal operators due to lack of resources to undergo all registration processes.

Duwa said: “We need training and loans so that we are able to pay for certification and then mine from the point of registration with the activity well regulated.”

“Is not that the youth are not interested to formally operate but we are lacking support and the new Minister needs to make sure that the youth are getting all needed support to ensure that before venturing into actual mining, they go through all registration processes.”

“We also dream of advancing to start using machinery for instance to start using water pumps other than moving water in buckets.”   A survey by MAMICO established that youth and women dominate the ASM subsector contributing 78 percent.

Leave a Comment

Comments