The biggest danger with mining ventures that are not adhering to laid-down requirements could probably not be that their returns to government are hard to come by. SAMUEL KALIMIRA explores.
Inkosana Yobe Jere, in Traditional Authority (TA) Mtwalo in Mzimba District, regrets having accepted orders from senior chiefs in the district to allow Malawian investors to commence mining activities in his area.
A month later, he was shocked to see China nationals arrive with machinery and begin mining operations.
“What we hear is that they are obtaining samples, although we observe our precious stones being taken away,” Jere says defeatedly.
In Maona area, under Jere’s jurisdiction, an increasing number of Chinese workers were seen at a mining site.
The traditional leader had hoped that the mining activities would bring development to the area.
He says the community members were persuaded that the investors would drill a borehole and construct two bridges connecting the area to Mtwalo Road.
“We have no say because decisions were made higher up by the government and our seniors. We believed development would follow because we were informed that the mine owner is Malawian.
“But to date, we only see them coming to work at the site and leaving,” Jere laments.
Village Head Mkomona Zima, on whose land the mining is taking place, also complains that Malawi favours the wealthy over the poor from his village.
“They are digging trenches, scattering stones across our fields and the dust is affecting nearby residents.
“If they brought us development, we would not complain. But it seems we have been abandoned,” Zima says.
A worker from the mining site, who declined to be named, described life at the mine as difficult.
He highlighted sanitation issues as a challenge and noted that people living near the mine lack access to safe water.
“We receive very little. We see China nationals collecting stones and we dare not question anything. Due to poverty, we are left speechless,” the worker said.
President of District Health Environmental Officers Chimwemwe Jella warned that excessive dust exposure from the mine puts people at risk of contracting diseases such as tuberculosis.
He added that drinking contaminated water increases the likelihood of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery.
“People should not be exposed to excessive dust as it can lead to lung-related diseases. Similarly, drinking unsafe water puts people at risk of waterborne diseases,” Jella said.
Despite chiefs’ complaints about failed development promises, they are unaware that the mining in their area is being conducted illegally— at least in the view of government officials.
China nationals are using machinery to mine clear quartz, which is exported for use in tile and glass production, among other products.
The officials confirmed the situation but indicated that the involved licence belongs to a Malawian, Macdonald Beza, which has reportedly expired.
Director of Mining at the Ministry of Mining, Samuel Sakhuta, announced the shutdown of the mining operations, citing the use of large machinery without ministry approval for environmental management.
“We received a tip-off about mining activities there. My team from the Northern Region visited and found the that licence expired. They were also using machinery without the necessary approval,” Sakhuta said.
He clarified that the ministry’s role is to ensure order in the mining sector, not to chase investors.
However, Beza, in a separate interview, claimed to possess a valid licence and denied that his mine had been shut down.
He acknowledged community complaints about soil damage but promised compensation after evaluations.
“I have made significant contributions, including constructing an Admarc structure, which the community completed by roofing. I also provided iron sheets for a house of a health surveillance assistant and constructed a dam downstream from the mining site.
“I believe these efforts demonstrate my commitment although I have not fulfilled all expectations,” Beza said.
He added that he has experience in various mining activities and always respects local communities and adheres to regulations.
Mining governance commentator Paul Mvula expressed concern over such incidents being common in the country, especially among unregulated small-scale miners.
Mvula said there is a trend by some foreign nationals who use Malawians to obtain licences without renewing them.
“We have heard similar cases in Rumphi, Nkhata Bay, Chitipa and other districts. There seems to be negligence in oversight.
“The government should recognise that mining can boost the economy if properly managed. It must monitor cases where foreigners use Malawians to invest in mining without benefitting locals,” Mvula said.
According to mining laws and regulations, investors are supposed to ensure they adhere to all safety requirements and operate only when they have valid licences.
Currently, government, through the Office of the Attorney General, is withholding some mining permits due to disagreements over mining development pacts.
