Malawi Urged to Decentralize Mining Licensing to Aid Small Operators
The calls for decentralisation come as Malawi aims to boost its agriculture, tourism, and mining sectors under President Lazarus Chakwera's economic agenda.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Mining stakeholders are calling on Malawi's government to decentralise its licensing operations, arguing the current centralised system hinders small-scale miners, writes Victor Musongole.
Chikomeni Manda, managing consultant for Perekezi Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Consultants, said the centralised process in Lilongwe "makes it difficult for small miners, resulting in illegal mining."
"The licenses are cheap, but the centralisation hinders small miners from formalising," Manda added.
Chitipa District Commissioner Macmillan Magomero echoed the need for decentralised operations to enhance the mining sector's effectiveness.
"The sector can bring numerous benefits, but councils' powers are limited because everything is done at the ministry level," Magomero said.
Joseph Chirwa, a regional mining engineer, confirmed plans are underway to empower district councils with mining experts to assist communities.
"Devolving some duties from the ministry to regions and districts can help councils handle mining issues," Chirwa said.
The calls for decentralisation come as Malawi aims to boost its agriculture, tourism, and mining sectors under President Lazarus Chakwera's economic agenda.