Muslim Group Urges Community Involvement in Malawi Mining Activities
QMAM is implementing this project with funding from Southern Africa Trust (SAT).
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Quadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM) is calling for increased community involvement in local mining activities, writes Meclina Chirwa.
Saiti Jambo, QMAM executive director, made this appeal during an interface meeting between community members, government officials, and mining investors to promote positive engagement in mining activities.
"Involving community members in mining investments is vital towards improving the socioeconomic development of the country," Jambo said.
He noted that since 2014, QMAM has observed many mining companies creating deliberate conflicts with communities to avoid corporate social responsibility.
However, Jambo praised Lindian Resources Company for its different approach to community involvement, citing their community engagement plan.
Chrispine Ngwena, Lindian Resources Company country manager, called the meeting a success.
"We have developed a community engagement plan to guide us throughout our journey. We want the community to benefit; that's our key priority," Ngwena said.
He added that the company plans to give the community 0.5% of gross revenue when they apply for a larger mining license.
Emmanuel Kalombe, chairperson of the community engagement plan committee, expressed satisfaction with the mining company's approach.
"We were involved from the start, and majority of the community members have already been compensated to relocate from the mining site," he said.
QMAM is implementing this project with funding from Southern Africa Trust (SAT).
The initiative highlights growing efforts to ensure local communities benefit from Malawi's natural resources and mining activities.