Mining & Trade News

The newly formed Gold Mining Association (GOMA) is set to improve welfare and promote the livelihood of Artisanal and Smallscale Miners (ASMs) involved in gold mining across the country.

In an interview with Mining and Trade Review, Interim Chairperson Chikomeni Manda said the Association is rooted in community engagement, research, capacity building, advocacy, and campaigns for formalization.

Manda said the Association values promotion of equity in the mining sector and protection of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children affected by ASM operations.

He said: “We believe in stakeholder engagement, promotng collaboration and relationship-building for sustainable development of the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM).”

“The association’s influence is nationwide reflecting our dedication to achieving a truly national impact.”

“At GOMA, we see the empowerment of miners especially the women and youth in gold mining subsector not just as a goal but as a transformative force, enriching individual lives and contributing substantively to the holistic development and prosperity of our communities.”

A survey by Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO) indicates that around 70% of ASMs across the country is made up of the youth and women.

Manda said GOMA is dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive gold mining sector by championing the advancement, empowerment, and professional developmentof Artisanal and Small-Scale gold miners through collaboration, capacity building, and advocacy.

He said: “We strive to break barriers, promote diversity, and ensure equal opportunities for miners especially women and youths.”

“We strive to foster a supportive community that inspires innovation, sustainability, and excellence while driving positive change in ASM gold mining sector as a whole.”

“Together, we aim to shape a future where gold miners play pivotal roles in shaping the mining landscape, contributing to its growth, and fostering a culture of equality, respect, and shared success.”  

The Association will be supporting gold ASMs through provision of training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to empower the miners and enhance their skills and knowledge, as well as advocating for policies and practices that ensure equal opportunities, fair representation, and non-discrimination of all gold miners especially women and youths.

Manda said GOMA will also be involved in community engagement to raise awareness on the contributions of gold miners and address social challenges to foster positive relationships between miners and local communities.

The Association will also focus on promoting a safe and inclusive working environment for gold miners by addressing health and safety concerns, and advocating for gender-sensitive policies.

Manda said: “We will be supporting and encouraging entrepreneurship in gold mining by providing training, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities to help them establish and grow their businesses.”

“We will be conducting research and gathering data to inform evidence-based policies and initiatives and also foster a supportive network for gold miners to facilitate collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship within the industry.”

“GOMA was also formed to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices, by emphasizing the role of miners in driving environmental stewardship and community development and; encourage and support the development of leadership skills among the members especially women and youth aiming for increased representation and decision-making roles within the sector,” said Manda.

ASMs continue to face numerous challenges including lack of financing to conduct operations, ban on export of unprocessed minerals, formal market scarcity, and lack of training opportunities.

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