The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) has warned the public against illegal mining, saying the practice exposes miners and surrounding communities to unsafe living and working conditions.
MMRA Enforcement and Inspection Officer Madalitso Chinduwi issued the warning on Wednesday during a sensitisation meeting with community members in Group Village Head Mwenewisi, under Traditional Authority Kilupula in Karonga District, on the dangers of illegal mining.
Chinduwi said illegal mining has several negative impacts, including creating public health and sanitation challenges, contributing to gender-based violence and the exploitation of women and girls, as well as polluting rivers, streams and other water resources.
“Government loses revenue because illegal miners do not pay taxes, royalties or licensing fees. My appeal to community members is that they should apply for small-scale mining licences, either as individuals or through cooperatives. There are also greater opportunities for cooperatives, such as capacity-building training and financial support from different partners,” he explained.
In his remarks, Senior Traditional Authority (STA) Kilupula applauded the Malawi Government, through the MMRA, for conducting the sensitisation meeting, saying it had come at the right time when people in his jurisdiction were being negatively affected by illegal mining practices.
He assured the authority that he would continue educating community members on the importance of forming cooperatives and urged them to desist from engaging in illegal mining activities.
