Mining
Federation upbeat on ASM potential
October 09, 2025 / Tawonga Nyirenda Mayuni
ASM gold mining activities have become common in Malawi
The Federation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Malawi (FASMM) has expressed strong optimism regarding the sector’s potential to positively impact the country’s economy. FASMM emphasizes that, with adequate support and strategic interventions, artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs) can transform livelihoods, reduce poverty, and contribute significantly to Malawi’s economic development.
FASMM President Percy Maleta made these remarks following visits to illegal mining hotspots in Lilongwe and Kasungu.
Maleta stated, “With the right policies, partnerships, and enforcement strategies, the sector can shift from being perceived as illegal to being recognized as a key driver of sustainable development.”
When asked about the motivation behind FASMM’s visits to illegal mining sites, Maleta explained that the federation aimed to understand the realities faced by miners on the ground, engage directly with artisanal miners, and explore pathways toward formalization of their activities.
He highlighted some of the challenges confronting miners in these hotspots, including lack of proper licensing, poor safety standards, inadequate equipment, limited market access, and vulnerability to exploitation.
Despite these obstacles, some success stories have emerged from the visited hotspots. Maleta noted that miners are increasingly aware of the importance of formalization and have shown willingness to organize into cooperatives.
“We have observed growing awareness among miners about the benefits of formalization, and many have expressed interest in organizing into cooperatives and engaging more openly with government structures,” he said.
Maleta said FASMM aims to formalize illegal miners by advocating for simplified licensing procedures, cooperative development, responsible mining training, and the establishment of structured markets closer to mining hotspots.
He also reiterated FASMM’s readiness to collaborate with government agencies in tackling illegal mining. “We plan to work together through joint site visits, stakeholder dialogues, and regular feedback mechanisms with the Ministry of Mining, the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority, and law enforcement agencies,” Maleta said.
Regarding government collaboration, Maleta suggested that authorities could involve FASMM more directly in policy formulation, support artisanal mining associations and cooperatives, and prioritize community engagement before enforcement actions.
He emphasized that the government could better support artisanal miners and curb illegal activities through a clear artisanal mining framework, decentralized licensing systems, improved access to finance, and greater recognition of cooperatives.
The Federation was established in April this year as a unifying body for the country’s artisanal miners and traders. Its founding members include the Malawi Women in Mining Association (MAWIMA), Gemstone Association of Malawi (GAM), Women in Extractive, Energy and Mining Association (WEEMA), Blantyre Mining Association, and representatives from gold miners, ceramics, quarry operators, and youth groups active in the sector.
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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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