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Government records decline in mining revenue in light of raw mineral export ban
March 25, 2026 / Wahard Betha
By Wahard Betha
The Department of Mining in the Ministry of Energy and Mining has recorded a decline in revenue collected from the minerals sector in light of the raw mineral export ban, which the Government announced within the financial year.
The 2026 Annual Economic Report indicates that the Department collected about K70-million in revenue against the total projection of K665.5-million in the 2025/26 financial year
The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA), which has taken over some revenue collection duties from the Department, is projected to collect about MK2, 2-billion and MK2,5-billion in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years respectively.
The report states that in the fiscal year, the Authority issued 1,222 licenses, finalized subsidiary regulations, upgraded the Mining Cadastre system towards an online platform, and enhanced financial accountability systems.
It says: “The Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO) has continued building institutional capacity, undertaking geological surveys, feasibility studies, and investor engagement to advance mineral development opportunities.
“Meanwhile, over 50.0 percent of the required analytical equipment has been procured for the National Mineral Laboratory Complex.”
“Upon completion, the laboratory will strengthen mineral testing, valuation, and certification capacity, thereby enhancing transparency and governance in the sector.”
The report says that progress was also made in reviewing the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Policy, strengthening cooperative capacity, and advancing geological exploration. Surveys identified promising deposits of rare earth elements, graphite, limestone, copper, and other strategic minerals, while ongoing research supports industrial minerals and fertilizer production.
It also says regulatory and safety oversight was enhanced through legislative reviews, environmental monitoring, inspections, and mine safety campaigns.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including illegal mining, mineral under valuation, smuggling, export of raw minerals, limited value addition, infrastructure gaps, and funding constraints.
However, ongoing investments in roads, railways, and power infrastructure are expected to improve the sector’s operating environment in the medium term.
Programs to be undertaken in the 2026/27 financial year to foster productivity, transparency, and accountability of the sector include: operationalization of the Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO) and conducting Geological Mapping which will be produced at various scales to highlight potential mineralization of critical and high-value minerals.
Government will also conduct Mineral Exploration and Evaluation as well as carry out Applied Geoscientific Research and Laboratory Services which will focus on achieving import substitution,
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Rehabilitation:
The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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Remediation:
The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
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