Mining & Trade News

• Lotus commits to improve water management methods to uphold employees’ welfare following water quality audit

• Audit highlighted potential health risks resulting from water quality issues

Lotus Africa, which operates the Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga, says its established water supply and treatment systems and routine water quality monitoring processes are continually being improved, and the health and safety of its employees, the community and environment remain its absolute priority.

Lotus MD Greg Bittar says this in response to a Karonga District Council Water Quality Audit report which has identified gaps in water quality testing, water safety monitoring practices, certification of the water treatment system, and integration of disease surveillance at Kayelekera Uranium Mine.

The report says that mine management should, within seven days, improve the water supply system to meet Malawi’s recommended minimum drinking water standards, which must be verified through microbial water quality testing by an independent accredited laboratory.

The mine currently operates a piped water supply system, abstracting raw water from the Mswanga river, which is conveyed to a water treatment plant. The treatment process includes sedimentation ponds, tanks and clarifiers intended to reduce turbidity, optimize chemical and energy use, and prepare water for disinfection.

Although a complete water treatment system is in place at the mine camp, the report’s key observations include that chlorine dosing appeared to be inadequate or absent, as no chlorine containers or evidence of active chlorination were observed at the treatment plant.

It states that water quality testing is conducted at the mine; however, several critical gaps were identified including that tested parameters included pH, uranium, turbidity, and residual chlorine, but not all recommended parameters were consistently tested.

The report reads: “No microbial (bacteriological) water quality test results were available for Audit. However, Microbiological drinking water quality monitoring (Fecal Coliform, Fecal Streptococci, E.coli and Total coliform types of bacteria and others) is one of the mandatory parameters according to Malawi Standards for drinking water specifications.”

“Review of test results indicated turbidity levels consistently above the recommended limit of 5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) for treated drinking water according to Malawi Standards for Drinking Water Specifications (MS214:2013).”

“No residual free chlorine (FRC) was detected in the daily water quality records reviewed. This is outside the acceptable range of 0.20–0.50 mg/L as stipulated in MS214:2013. Historical monitoring data further revealed that FRC levels were consistently zero at all sampling points, indicating that chlorination is either ineffective or not routinely practiced.”

“Uranium exposure through drinking water was identified as a concern. Two samples collected between 17 and 22 February 2026 recorded uranium concentrations of 43 ppb and 35 ppb, exceeding the Malawi standard limit of 30 ppb. Prolonged exposure at these levels may pose long-term health risks to workers.”

The report says although some water safety measures are in place, the following gaps were identified:  A comprehensive Water Safety Plan (WSP) was unavailable and there were no documented schedules for routine maintenance of water treatment infrastructure and there was limited evidence of systematic risk assessment and control measures across the entire water supply chain, from abstraction to point of use.

It cites the other gaps as limited technical capacity to conduct comprehensive water quality testing, particularly microbial analysis; and that routine monitoring focuses primarily on physical and chemical parameters, with no inclusion of microbial water quality testing.

“No documentary evidence was provided to confirm certification or approval of the water treatment system by the Ministry of Water or other relevant authorities for human consumption,” the report reads.

The disease surveillance system at the mine was reviewed, with a focus on diarrhoeal diseases and the report came up with the following findings; health records confirmed reported cases of diarrhoea among workers. And medical registers documented 28 cases of gastroenteritis during January and February 2026.

“Approximately 80% of the workforce comprises non-resident workers operating under a MASM arrangement. As a result, gastroenteritis data for non-resident workers could not be established, limiting the ability to determine the true burden of diarrhoeal diseases among the entire workforce,” the report reads.

But Bittar points out in his response that the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates a provisional guideline value of 30 micrograms per litre (30ppb) U in potable water, but also provides for a tolerable daily intake of 60ppb (World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality 2022).

 Bittar says: “The uranium exposure identified on the two February dates highlighted in the Preliminary Correspondence were 43ppb and 35 ppb. We note that in the last 3 weeks, uranium levels have been below 20ppb.”

“Bottled drinking water is and will continue to be provided to all site personnel until further notice.”

He says increased chlorine dosing has been adopted and routine monitoring implemented for physical and chemical parameters, as well as microbial testing. In addition, Lotus is assessing further improvements for water quality management, including the installation of ultraviolet treatment.

“Additional improvement steps will identify opportunities to strengthen our engineering standards and practices, and to provide practical recommendations in relation to any potential operational issues.” says Bittar.

Lotus supports workers through the provision of international standard medical care and on-site medical facilities.  

ASX-listed Tusker Minerals has announced the completion of its maiden systematic exploration program at the Mzimba Rutile Project in northern Malawi, a program which was designed to evaluate the project's potential to host large-scale residual rutile mineralisation.

In a press statement, Tusker CEO Cliff Fitzhenry said the exploration work was completed on time and within budget, a development which marks a material step in the Company's strategy of building a portfolio of high-quality African rutile assets.

Fitzhenry commented: "The successful completion of this program marks an important milestone for Tusker and represents the first modern, systematic exploration program specifically targeting rutile at Mzimba.”

“While assay results remain pending, the scale and consistency of geological indicators observed throughout the program are highly encouraging and support our view that Mzimba has the potential to emerge as a significant rutile district.”

“Our team has been particularly encouraged by the numerous positive field indications observed throughout the program.”

“We identified the key geological ingredients associated with residual rutile systems, including well-developed ferruginous pedolith, extensive mottled clay horizons and deeply weathered saprolitic profiles.”

Fitzhenry also said the company observed visible heavy minerals and rutile grains both on surface and within panned samples.

He said: “Importantly, these indicators have been identified across a large project area, consistent with a geological setting where residual rutile systems can develop.”

“These indicators have been observed across an area of approximately 710km², the majority of which remains largely underexplored for rutile.”

“The ability to process samples using our own in-country infrastructure and technical workflows in Malawi provides us with a cost-effective and efficient pathway to rapidly assess the project's mineral assemblage and rutile potential.”

He explained that the program focused on assessing the distribution of titanium mineralisation, characterising weathering profiles and identifying geological conditions associated with residual rutile deposits.

Fitzhenry said the assessment included: mapping and reconnaissance exploration across priority target areas to better define the distribution of titanium mineralisation, characterise the weathering profile, identify additional target zones and refine the geological model; excavation of six exploration pits and collection of 31 channel samples from pit sidewalls to assess rutile potential throughout the complete weathering profile and provide geological and grade continuity information in near-surface saprolite and lateritic material and: project-wide, systematic and wide- spaced regional soil sampling campaign to define and extend high-grade rutile zones and prioritise future auger drilling activities.

He said the combination of widespread titanium mineralisation, extensive residual weathering profiles and visible rutile grains observed across multiple target areas provides encouragement that rutile enrichment may occur over a much broader area than previously recognised.

Fitzhenry said “These observations support the Company's view that Mzimba hosts many of the geological characteristics associated with large-scale residual rutile systems.”

“This first phase program builds on the Company's March 2026 discovery announcement, which identified titanium mineralisation hosted predominantly by rutile across multiple areas of the project.”

“The discovery sampling covered only approximately 50km² (around 7% of the total licence package) highlighting the significant exploration upside that remains across the broader project area,” he said.

The Mzimba Rutile Project forms part of Tusker's strategy of building a portfolio of high-quality titanium and heavy mineral sands assets across Africa.

He said together with the Company's Central Rutile Project and Douala Basin HMS Project in Cameroon, Mzimba provides exposure to multiple highly prospective titanium-bearing mineral systems at a time when global demand for titanium feedstocks continues to strengthen, driven by pigments, aerospace applications, advanced manufacturing and emerging clean energy technologies.

Geologically, the project lies within the Mesoproterozoic Irumide Belt, which extends from eastern Zambia into northern and central Malawi.

The belt comprises of high-grade metamorphic basement rocks including orthogneiss, paragneiss, schist and granulite, intruded by granitic bodies and locally associated with pegmatite swarms that have historically been mined for gemstones such as beryl.

Sovereign Metals has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) to advance the sustainable development of its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi.

Under the agreement, IFC will use its expertise to help Kasiya align its environmental, social, and governance standards to global best practice, complementing Sovereign's team and supplementing input from Sovereign’s strategic partner Rio Tinto on the development of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

The three-year collaboration also gives IFC, which is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries, the right to act as lender or mandated co-lead debt arranger, and/or investor in securities for project financing, subject to Rio Tinto’s investment agreement rights.

Sovereign’s Chairman Ben Stoikovich said: “IFC brings unmatched advantages to Kasiya's development: decades of experience in Malawi, including in the strategic infrastructure we intend to use; established government partnerships; and the institutional credibility that opens doors to international capital markets. This collaboration provides Sovereign with a clear pathway to financing while supporting Kasiya to meet the global standards that institutional investors require.”

Sovereign’s CEO Frank Eagar commented: "We are incredibly pleased to get IFC involved at this stage, as this will support our definitive feasibility study (DFS) and ESIA efforts to be aligned with IFC’s Environmental and Social Performance Standards, seeking to make the Kasiya project DFS not just feasible but also bankable. Having IFC’s support validates Kasiya's exceptional quality and strategic importance and takes us one step closer to project execution. The World Bank Group’s support for key enabling infrastructure, including the Nacala transport corridor and the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project, are expected to benefit the Kasiya project.”

About Sovereign Services

Sovereign Services is the Malawi operation of Sovereign Metals Limited, which is focused on developing its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi to become a leading global supplier to the titanium and graphite industries.   Kasiya is the world’s largest natural rutile deposit – the purest, highest-grade naturally occurring titanium feedstock – and the world’s second-largest flake graphite deposit – a battery mineral essential for the energy transition. www.sovereignmetals.com.au

About the International Finance Corporation (IFC)

The IFC has decades of experience in the metals and mining sector, financing some of the world’s largest and globally strategic mining projects across all stages, including construction, production, and expansion. As both a long-term equity partner and debt provider to major mining companies, including Sovereign’s strategic investor, Rio Tinto, IFC has supported large-scale mine developments and expansions across multiple continents.

In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record US$71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, with a total portfolio of US$68.5 billion as of 30 June 2025, demonstrating its commitment to financing major projects worldwide.

www.ifc.org

About the World Bank in Malawi

The World Bank Group has a significant presence in Malawi through a Country Partnership Framework that supports the government's Malawi 2063 Vision. Its activities include financing major enabling infrastructure like the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project, which is Malawi’s largest energy infrastructure project to date. IFC also previously played a role in mobilizing financing for the Nacala transport corridor, which extends through Malawi. The Kasiya Project is expected to directly benefit from these strategic infrastructure assets.

www.worldbank.org – Langmead and Baker

Yami Gemstone Lab & Exports Pvt Ltd (YAGLE) has urged government to adopt a phased and strategic rollout of the ban on unprocessed gemstone exports, arguing that the current blanket prohibition will not deliver the intended value addition benefits to the countrywithout major reforms in financing, training and processing capacity.

YAGLE CEO Yamikani Jimusole said that while the goal of boosting local beneficiation is commendable, the country is not yet equipped to meet the demands of full-scale domestic processing.

“We are calling for a roadmap that builds capacity step by step to ensure that the sector can transition smoothly and sustainably,” he said.

Jimusole suggested that government begin by requiring only a small percentage of gemstones to be processed locally. The proportion should increase progressively as infrastructure, expertise and equipment improve.

“We believe such an approach would avoid shutting miners out of the market while allowing the industry to grow.”

Investment in infrastructure and skilled labour forms another major pillar of the company’s proposals. Jimusole argues that Malawi currently lacks cutting and polishing centres, master cutters and training programmes required for competitive value addition.

“The government should work closely with the private sector and international partners to establish modern processing facilities and technical training centres as public-private partnerships can play a key role in accelerating this development,” he said.

He suggested that reforming the Export Development Fund (EDF) should also be a priority because the EDF’s current focus of buying rough stones without supporting value addition does not align with national goals.

“There should be a restructuring of the Fund to offer affordable loans, grants and subsidies specifically targeting equipment purchase, start-up processing businesses and training initiatives. This shift would empower miners and dealers to participate in value addition rather than remain dependent on rough gemstone sales,” he said.

To attract investment into local processing, Jimusole recommends incentives such as tax breaks or reduced export duties for value-added stones. These measures would encourage miners, traders and new investors to establish cutting and polishing operations inside Malawi rather than exporting solely in raw form.

Jimusole also calls for stronger monitoring systems to curb illegal exports and ensure compliance once the ban is phased in.

“YAGLE suggests the adoption of technology-driven tracking tools to boost transparency across the gemstone supply chain and prevent smuggling”.

Despite concerns about the current policy framework, YAGLE shares government’s long-term vision of developing a strong domestic gemstone manufacturing industry.

Jimusole says the recommendations are designed to help Malawi reach that goal without destabilizing miners’ livelihoods or crippling the industry.

“With the right policies, investments and partnerships, the country can eventually achieve its goal of value addition, but the current ban in unprocessed gemstone exports is not the solution, at least not yet.”

ASX-listed Fortuna Metals has unveiled exciting exploration results from its Mkanda Rutile-Graphite Project in Mchinji, Central Malawi which is adjacent to Sovereign Metals owned, Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project hosting the world’s largest rutile deposit and second largest flake graphite deposit.

Fortuna says in a Press Statement announcing the results that  the first results of hand auger drilling confirms insitu rutile grades of up to 2.21% rutile and continuous drill intervals of 1.66% rutile over 10m and 1.32% rutile over 10m at its Mkanda Rutile Graphite Project.

The drilling results demonstrate that high grade rutile continues from surface to end of hole, with 4 drill holes ending in mineralisation above 1.0% rutile, and 9 of the 10 drill holes ending in mineralisation above 0.5% rutile. These 10 drill holes were selected for priority assay as a first pass to highlight the wide spread nature of the rutile mineralisation at Mkanda.

The Company has now completed 544 drill holes on a notional 800 and 400m spacing across 180km² of the Mkanda project. The purpose of the drill spacing is to define the highest grade rutile mineralisation ahead of further infill and step out drilling in 2026 whose results will be received throughout first quarter of 2026.

Fortuna CEO Mr Tom Langley comments: “We are looking forward to starting aircore and push tube drilling as soon as possible in early 2026. This will allow us to determine rutile mineralisation continuity to the saprock boundary at plus ~20m. This would be in line with the Kasiya deposit which averages ~20-30m depth to saprock and significantly increases the resource potential and overall project economics.”

“We continue to progress our exploration drilling at a rapid pace having now completed 544 drill holes at Mkanda and will continue to drill up until year’s end. We look forward to updating the market with a consistent flow of these drilling results throughout first quarter of 2026.”

Project Background

The Mkanda and Kampini Projects extend over an area of 658km² and are located immediately to the south of Sovereign Metals Limited’s world class Kasiya rutile project.

Drilling programs at Mkanda and Kampini are continuing with a total of 544 drill holes with an average depth of 8m having been completed at Mkanda. The drilling is designed as a first pass reconnaissance to investigate large areas across the project for potential rutile and graphite mineralisation. The hand auger drilling to date is averaging 8m with drillholes terminated as sample quality declines once in the water table. Drilling next dry season will use an aircore drill rig from approximately April/May 2026 to infill the highest-grade areas as defined by the hand auger results. The use of aircore drilling is critical to be able to drill past the perched water table and deeper down to the saprock boundary. The saprock boundary has been defined at Kasiya to be about 20 – 30m depth. The Aircore drilling will be key to demonstrating the resource potential at these greater depths and vastly improve the project economics.

The second phase of drilling currently underway at Mkanda consists of a dual strategy of further wide spaced reconnaissance drilling on an 800m grid and infill drilling on a tighter 400m spacing based on visual results and geological logging.

A 400m by 400m drill spacing is expected to meet the required drill density for inferred resource estimation, with Sovereign Metals using a 400m by 400m drill spacing for their inferred resource at Kasiya.

Fortuna’s projects cover the majority of the 70km strike extent of the same Lilongwe Plain weathered gneiss that hosts the rutile and graphite at Kasiya.

Graphite analysis is being undertaken in parallel as part of the dual mineral commodity focus given the coarse flake graphite known to occur in the region.

The Company is setting up a low cost in-country laboratory for the initial steps of preparing the sample for heavy mineral separation (HMS).

Natural rutile is the highest quality and best source of titanium feedstock for manufacturing titanium metals and TiO2 pigment. Traditional deposits are becoming exhausted with legacy producers in decline, with an anticipated tight supply and industrial demand growth expected to drive strong future prices.

State President Arthur Peter Mutharika has appointed a new Board for the Mining and Mineral Resources Regulatory Authority (MMRA).

A Press Release from the Office of the President and Cabinet indicates that Mutharika has appointed Professor Zuze Dulanya as the Board Chairperson, Dr. Grain Malunga as Vice Chairperson and Mr. Smith Kalima, Mr. Newton Munthali and, Mr. Fesisa Rose as Members of the Board.

The Authority whose Director is Mr. Mphatso Chikoti was established under Section 5 of the Mines and Minerals Act (No. 25 of 2023) as an independent regulatory authority for mining and mineral resources in Malawi.

Following the repeal of the Mines and Minerals Act of 2019 and the enactment of the Mines and Minerals Act of 2023, the Authority regulates the mineral sector in the development and utilization of mineral resources in line with sustainable development principles and practices and for the benefit of Malawians.

The Authority is entitled to sustainable development principles and practices of: monitoring the activities of licenses while promoting and regulating local beneficiation; promoting the harmonization of activities, plans and, policies and; facilitating disputes resolution.

Professor Dulanya is a prominent Malawian geologist and Associate Professor at the University of Malawi while Dr. Malunga is former Cabinet Minister and current Coordinator for Malawi Chamber of Mines and Energy.

Mutharika, who has announced various board appointments for state-owned institutions, is, however,  yet to appoint Board Members for the Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO) which is a state owned enterprise established by the Government to spearhead the development and investment in the country’s mining sector.

The Company operates under the Malawi Development Corporation Holdings Limited (MDCHL) and is part of the Government’s broader strategy to industrialize Malawi, reduce reliance on agriculture and boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in mining.

MAMICO which is currently headed by Professor Dr.Leonard Kalindekafe as Chief Executive Officer was launched in February 2025 marking a significant milestone in Malawi’s efforts to fully capitalize on its rich mineral resources.

The company is seen as a game charger in Malawi Vision 2063, where mining is identified as a priority sector under the industrialization agenda.

ASX-listed Globe Metals & Mining, which is pursuing the Kanyika Niobium Project in Mzimba, has announced that the mine’s first production of saleable oxide is planned for January 2028.

The Kanyika Niobium Project is set to become the first major non-Brazilian niobium producer in more than fifty years.

Globe says in its end of the year update that its updated Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) is on track for completion by March 31, 2026, laying the technical and economic groundwork for Final Investment Decision (FID), funding, offtake agreements and the mobilisation of construction.

“In the coming year, we expect Kanyika will evolve from a fully permitted plan into a construction-ready, internationally strategic critical-minerals asset,” reads the update.

Globe Metals Interim CEO & CFO Charles Altshuler explains in the update that Kanyika has been designed for phased development, enabling an efficient, lower-risk path to first production while allowing the market to absorb early volumes and support future expansion.

The first phase is designed to deliver roughly one-third of full-scale processing capacity, supported by a solar–diesel hybrid power solution.

“First production of saleable oxide is planned for January 2028, thereby meeting the requirement for an exportable saleable product by March 2028, in accordance with the Mining Licence and the Mine Development Agreement, which require this milestone to be achieved within five years of issuance.”

Phase Two, planned for April 2029, aims to scale the operation to production of 3,000–3,300 tonnes of niobium pentoxide and 150–160 tonnes of tantalum pentoxide annually.

Globe says this staged approach reduces upfront capital risk, accelerates cash flow, and aligns its expansion with customer qualification and long-term market demand.

The Company will develop the Kanyika Project as a conventional open-pit operation with a low strip ratio. Ore will be mined and crushed on site to a suitable size for processing, eliminating the need to transport run-of-mine material off site and ensuring value addition begins at the mine.

Crushed ore will be processed through an on-site beneficiation circuit using established physical separation techniques to concentrate the niobium and tantalum minerals. This removes most waste material at site, significantly reducing mass before further processing. The upgraded concentrate will then be treated in an on-site hydrometallurgical plant using proven, industry-standard technology to produce saleable niobium oxide (Nb₂O₅) and tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅).

”The processing route is well understood and commercially proven,”  Altshuler says.

Final products will be packaged on site and containerised for transport. Only finished niobium and tantalum oxide products are exported, and these materials are non-radioactive.

Globe stresses that no radioactive ore, concentrate, or waste material is transported off site. It says producing a high-value, low-volume product at the mine gate avoids bulk transport and allows efficient export using existing road and port infrastructure, enabling near term logistics readiness without reliance on rail megaprojects.

Global markets and supply

Global niobium supply remains critically constrained, with more than 90% sourced from a single Brazilian producer, leaving the west 100% reliant on imports. Demand continues to surge, driven by aerospace, defence, hypersonic platforms, superconductivity, batteries and advanced manufacturing.

Kanyika is poised to emerge as one of the few new suppliers of high-purity niobium oxide, integral to support global markets in national-security and advanced technology supply chains. Altshuler explains that the mine–concentrator– refinery integration inside Malawi is a key strategic advantage, enabling Globe to supply high-purity Nb₂O₅ instead of ferroniobium, thus meeting the needs of end-users requiring full traceability, ESG compliance and conflict-free provenance.

“Globe is entering the new year with a clear path to construction, strengthened financial capacity, solid government and community partnerships, and an international relevant project capable of reshaping niobium supply chains outside Brazil. Kanyika stands to become the first major new niobium pentoxide producer in fifty years, playing a critical role in the future of aerospace, defence, clean energy and advanced manufacturing,” he says.

Formalization of Artisanal Small Scale miners is a complex process but it is very vital to the improvement of miners’ lives. Ultimately, it involves participation of many stakeholders. Formalization entails recognizing ASM in the first place and then having proper policies and governance in place and from a legal perspective, formalization means miners and cooperatives are registered with the government using proper mining channels and processes. In other countries ASMs are recognized by law, but the very same governments have not created an enabling environment for miners to obtain proper permits and licenses.Other aspects of formalization include, supply chain transparency, health, safety and environment, human rights protections, chain of custody, access to finance, using and following proper mining techniques, as well as sound policies, procedures and due diligence systems in place. The process of formalization may include the introduction of legal and regulatory frameworks, providing legal access to minerals and information about geological data, organizing miners into flexible and dynamic organizations and providing access to capital, equipment and technical assistance.

The context surrounding artisanal Small Scale mining in different regions varies. In some cases, ASM has been a source of livelihoods for families and communities for decades while in other areas, the high value of minerals, particularly during periods of high prices, draws populations looking for income during conflict or insecurity. In many developing countries, the government’s ability to regulate the ASM sector is weak. Many artisanal Small Scale miners continue to operate in an informal manner, where legal or regulatory frameworks may not exist.  Legal access to minerals may be limited as well as access to capital, equipment, and technical assistance. Different countries have taken different approaches to working with artisanal small scale miners and managing them. Several countries have introduced policy measures trying to legalize or formalize artisanal mining and have yielded varying results.

However, interesting documentations have been made on Best Practices: Formalization and Due Diligence in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, in countries like Mongolia, Columbia and in Africa, DRC.

Findings in most countries have revealed that despite showing considerable promise at first, the drive to formalize ASM has lost considerable momentum. This among others may be due, overlapping of responsibilities, bureaucratic/archaic licensing scheme and also lack of access to information about miners and their dominance. For example, efforts to formalize ASM in Malawi are new and need a vigilant system to put things in order. With the enactment of the New Mines and Minerals Act, ASM Policy in place, Malawi still stands a chance on the road to formalization.

Success of Formalization of Artisanal Small Scale Mining

As a matter of success of formalizing ASMs, there are some factors that need to be considered in all aspects and these are;

• Providing Access and acquisition of Equipment.
• Ensuring Access to Capital, microfinance credit and savings, or other legal revenue generating activities.
• Enabling dialogue between ASM Stakeholders and governments
• Providing Access to geological Data
• Developing Conducive and Comprehensive Legal Frameworks
• Developing and enhancing  More Capacity Building 

If existing government regulations, and probably elsewhere in most governments are enforced, an ASM business model could improve peoples’ livelihoods and living conditions in remote areas and without good governance it risks facilitating enclaves of uncontrolled resource exploitation. Artisanal mining is an important driver of development in communities where there are often few other opportunities for generating income. It is a known fact that ASM contributes positively to many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and with inclusive, comprehensive formalization, the global community can mitigate ASM’s negative impacts amicably.

Actions focusing on miners alone have been shown to have limited success in reducing the use of illegal inputs, reducing the monopoly power of buyers, or limiting parallel trade. It is important to include the surrounding community and the benefits that may also come due to formalized and legalized business.

What happens when ASM is Informal/ without Formalization.

Informal mining often refers to individuals or cooperatives who are engaged in ASM, but operating outside of a legal framework that grants them rights to mine. Informal mining is often tolerated by many governments and may also be considered as legitimate by local communities. An example is where the Malawi government is buying gold from informal ASMs through Export Development Fund (EDF) on behalf of the Reserve Bank of Malawi. While informal mining is technically done without legal access to land or minerals, it is not necessarily associated with illicit or criminal activity—though informal miners are more vulnerable to illicit actors looking to take advantage. The following may result from informal mining activities:

• Environmental risks may go unchecked that eventually threaten the ecosystem
• Health risks due to no PPE and peoples’ behaviours
• No legal and regulatory framework to protect the miners/workers
• Emergence of child labour in the mining sites
• Illegal armed groups may emerge in the industry to fund violence.
• ASMs may move into protected areas e.g. in Malawi where they have moved in National Parks and Forest reserves leading to arrests.

Way Forward to Formalization of ASMs

•  Prevent People from Engaging in Illegal ASM through provision of policy and governance direction.
•  Facilitate government supported legalized ASM Sector through necessary documentation.
• Provide Licences to ASMs and demarcate those areas for Licensed miners-
• Facilitate/ help ASMs in equipment acquisition through microcredit facilities

The Malawi Government has opted for engagement meetings with stakeholders across the country including small scale mining communities in order to address the proliferation of illegal mining.

Illegal mining, mainly by Artisanal and Small-scale miners targeting gold and gemstones, has become rife in the country with miners using unsustainable mining practices that is resulting in serious environmental degradation in several Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) hotspots.

The illegal ASM practices has mainly affected districts such as Kasungu, Lilongwe, Nkhotakota, Zomba, Chiradzulu, Balaka, Machinga, Phalombe, Nkhata Bay, Karonga.

The miners are mainly using unsafe mining practices, which have resulted in fatal accidents leading to deaths with the latest fatalities reported in Kasungu where a dozen of ASMs have perished.

In an effort to address the worrying situation, the Malawi Mining and Mineral Resources Regulatory Authority (MMRA) in collaboration with the Department of Mines organized sensitization and consultative meeting at Sun and Sand in Mangochi, which attracted participants from Balaka, Machinga, Mangochi, Zomba, and Phalombe.

The meeting which attracted District Council members and traditional leaders discussed strategies to curb illegal and unsafe mining and promote responsible mining practices in the Southern Region.

The Southern Region meeting came after the Ministry had conducted similar meetings in Northern and Central Regions.

Speaking during the meetings, Director of Administration in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Andrew Chisamba highlighted that the engagement was prompted by a series of mining-related accidents that have occurred across the country, resulting in the loss of lives.

“What prompted these consultative meetings are accidents that have occurred so far in the country and the lives that have been lost in the process, all due to illegal and unsafe mining. As a department, we felt we could not just sit back but take action, starting with consultative meetings with key stakeholders at district level,” said Chisamba.

MMRA Director General Mphatso Chikoti emphasized that traditional leaders and district structures play a critical role in identifying illegal mining activities and promoting safe and lawful mining practices within their communities.

Paramount Chief Chiikulamayembe appealed to MMRA and the Department of Mines to maintain the engagement model, noting that involving chiefs and local leadership enhances community awareness, compliance, and collective responsibility in addressing illegal and unsafe mining.