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.  

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