Communities around Kanyika Mine in Mzimba have said they no longer want Globe Metals and Mining to continue its project in the area following their delay to compensate 248 families in Traditional Authority Mabilabo in the district.
The decision was contained in a letter presented to District Commissioner (DC) for Mzimba Thomas Chirwa on Tuesday by a grouping called Kanyika Mine Natives Forum.
But speaking after presenting the letter, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mabilabo said people in his area no longer want to see Globe Metals and Mining officials around Kanyika area, arguing that they have made the people poorer by delaying to compensate them.
He said since the DC’s office stopped the people from using the land, the affected families are helpless, a situation that has led to hunger and shortage of other basic needs.
“Even if President Peter Mutharika can be here with his Minister of Energy and Mining and Globe Metals and Mining officials, we cannot allow the company to start its mining activities in the area. We have lost trust in them. If they will continue, they are calling for chaos,” challenged T/A Mabulabo.
Commenting on the issue, Chirwa admitted that his office lacks some files on the matter.
Ministry of Natural Resource, Energy and Mining spokesperson Levison Undi said residents surrounding Kanyika mining lack information on how compensations are made.
Undi said: “These people should know that Globe Metals cannot compensate them before we give the company the mining licence. However, let me consult my bosses if we can meet the communities within the proposed time.”
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