Corruption affecting mining sector—Firm
The Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) has said corruption continues to deprive Malawi of the much-needed revenue from the mining sector, a situation it says needs a quick remedy.
NRJN Chairperson Kossam Munthali said this last week during a stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the Malawi Economic Justice Network (Mejn) as part of initiatives aimed to end inequality in the mining sector.
“Malawi is struggling On issues of mining because of corruption. Let us help the government to move forward,” he said.
Chief Mining Engineer in the Ministry of Mining George Maneya said the ministry was spearheading a functional review exercise at the district levels to enhance public involvement.
“We are undertaking a planned functional review and decentralisation of the functions of the Ministry to all mineral hotspot districts including Mangochi,” Maneya said.
He said the government, through the Ministry of Mining, is implementing other initiatives to revamp the sector.
He cited the revision and gazetting of the new licenCe and services fees in the sector, establishment of a structured market for gold through the Reserve Bank of Malawi, establishment of the Mining Regulatory Authority, rehabilitation and refurbishment of analytical laboratories as some of the initiatives designed to revitalise the sector.
“I must emphasise all these initiatives, including the establishment of integrity committees aimed at coordinating anti-corruption efforts with the Ministry of Mining, are aimed at aligning the mineral sector,” Maneya said.
The Manager for Gold Buying Initiatives Export Development Fund, Fredric Chanza, was hopeful that gold markets will be created across the country by September.
Mejn Programme Director Richard Chiputula said through a four–year project, the network is working towards enhancing the responsiveness of duty-bearers to the right holder’s demand for fair and equitable financing and distribution of resources.
