Malawi launches minerals assessment project

Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining says will not tolerate theft of minerals from Malawi through sampling.

This was said in Lilongwe during the official launch of countrywide geological mapping and mineral assessment project.

The project which has taken 10 years to be launched with assistance of French government is believed to bring a lot of change in the Mining industry because in the past foreign investors were stealing minerals through sampling.

“My Ministry has erected detecting machines in all airports and boarders in order to curb the malpractice,” said Nsaka.

He then urged Malawians to follow right procedures of doing business to boost the country’s economy.
“I thanks French government and its partners for supporting the project,” said Nsaka.

Meanwhile, Institute for policy interaction IPI has asked government to critically consider environmental implications of the mining projects which it is introducing.

Executive director for IPI Rafiq Hajat said this two days after government launched countrywide minerals assessment project.

“The fact that mining projects are vital for Malawi’s economy of government has the responsibility to ensure that has capacity to deal with environmental challenges caused by mining sector,” Nsaka said.

He said Malawi must plan on how mining companies will handle the challenges so that they do not affect local community.

Hajat therefore urged government to review the mining Act which is archaic before giving license to mining companies.

Speaking on behalf of French government its ambassador to Malawi and Zimbabwe Laurent Delahouse said his country will continue helping Malawi in the mining sector.

He promised Malawians that the project will have no side effects such as air pollution which has affected a lot of countries.