Mining & Trade News

The Future Miners Network (FMN), a student-led initiative formed by Mining Engineering students at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), is broadening mining literacy among secondary school learners in districts where exposure to the industry has remained minimal for years.

FMN Team Leader Ezala Banda said in an interview that the network has already reached nine rural schools and the response from both learners and teachers signals an urgent need for structured mining education in Malawi.

The initiative was established in August 2025 after students observed that many young people joining mining-related programmes had no back ground in what the sector involves. He explained that the group was motivated by recurring encounters with peers who enrolled in geology, mining engineering, mineral processing and environmental courses without any prior exposure  in mining.

Banda said this lack of early knowledge contributes to low enrolment in mining programmes and widens Malawi’s shortage of skilled professionals. He observed that the gap in knowledge goes beyond academic interest and that this is particularly concerning in a country seeking to build a competent workforce for emerging mineral projects. FMN’s sessions centre on five main topics; Malawi’s mineral potential, ongoing and upcoming mining projects, career guidance, daily uses of minerals and the dangers of illegal mining.

Banda said: “We emphasize on career paths that include mining engineering, geology, mineral processing and environmental management, with deliberate encouragement for girls to consider mining-related professions.”

“We also highlight major minerals in the country such as rutile, graphite, limestone, gemstones and rare earth elements and the risks of illegal mining such as pit collapsing, landslides, child labour and potential exposure to unsafe tools and hazardous materials.” Banda said the impact of their work is already visible among learners and communities.

Students have begun expressing interest in pursuing mining-related careers and teachers have reported increased curiosity in science classes. “We have seen fear turn into curiosity and curiosity turn into ambition. Some learners have also taken information home, prompting families to seek accurate explanations about mining activities in their areas,” he said.  

Despite the impact, Banda said FMN faces financial and logistical challenges, as the group operates entirely on contributions from students hence transport. printing and administrative costs are difficult to sustain. He said, “Many of the secondary schools we target are located in remote areas, increasing transport expenses and most schools lack basic learning materials, making practical demonstrations challenging”.

“Demand is growing faster than our capacity as more schools continue to request outreach sessions even though the team is unable to accommodate them due to resource constraints”. FMN is, therefore, seeking financial, technical and institutional support. The group needs assistance with transport, educational materials such as brochures and posters, mineral samples, demonstration models and training in community engagement and environmental communication. He said formal partnerships with government ministries, civil society organisations and private mining companies would help the group access more schools and strengthen its programmes.

“Our goal is to reach all 28 districts and as a group envisions establishing Malawi’s first national student-led mining awareness programme”.

FMN is positioning itself as a bridge between the mining sector and the communities where Malawi’s next generation of professionals is growing. The network mission is clear; equip young people with knowledge, correct misinformation and build a foundation of informed citizens.

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