Mining Firm's Community Initiatives Draw Praise in Rural Malawi
DY6 Metals fully owns six Heavy Earths and Critical Metal Projects in southern Malawi, including the Tundulu project in Phalombe.
PHALOMBE, Malawi — DY6 Metals and its local subsidiary Green Exploration have earned community support for their social responsibility initiatives at their rare earth minerals exploration site in Malawi's Phalombe district, writes Francis Tayanjah-Phiri.
The Australian mining company donated K3 million of school supplies to Nambazo Primary School and announced plans to upgrade a key access road in Traditional Authority Chiwalo's area.
"Your relationship with the local community is excellent since you started your exploration work," said Julius Issa, Village Development Committee Chair.
"You came to us, unlike others who are forced to do so."
The donation includes 1,500 exercise books, 2,500 pencils, 2,550 ballpoint pens, and teaching materials for the school's staff. Engineers are also assessing improvements to the Migowi road, which becomes difficult to navigate during rainy seasons.
"We commit to a continued social relationship bond," said Troth Saindi, Green Exploration Country Director and DY6 Senior Exploration Geologist.
"The road improvement will assist us and enhance diverse development initiatives in the area."
Village Head Mwakulamwatha called DY6 "the best example of mining companies," while Nambazo Primary School Principal Headteacher Thenson Chilungamo praised the firm's community engagement approach.
DY6 Metals fully owns six Heavy Earths and Critical Metal Projects in southern Malawi, including the Tundulu project in Phalombe.
The company also operates exploration projects in Karonga and Mzimba districts and at Ngala Hill.
Saindi emphasised that the company's community initiatives stem from a commitment to building trust rather than fulfilling obligations.
Local leaders expressed hope for continued cooperation as exploration work progresses at the Tundulu site, located in Phalombe's hill country.
The road upgrade project, once completed, will improve access between Migowi and the exploration area, benefiting both the mining operation and local communities that currently struggle with transportation during wet weather.