Chiefs threaten to close mine
Traditional leaders in Karonga have threatened to shut down Eland Coal Mine within “two or three weeks” if the company continues ignoring its corporate social responsibilities detailed in an agreement signed last year.
For 10 months, Eland has been under fire for allegedly ignoring the memorandum of understanding which binds it to establish a health centre, expand schools and provide safe water as well as electricity to locals affected by mining activity in Mwaulambo area.
During a visit to the mine, three chiefs, led by group village headman Mesiya, expressed disappointment at the company for hurrying to excavate pits in the area, delaying to compensate households along the way extraction site and failure to honour nearly all obligations spelt out in the deal.
In an interview, Maseya said: “The mining company came to the area without consulting us as custodians of the land. Still, we hoped they would invest some of their earnings in developing the area just as mining activity has uplifted several towns in Zambia, South Africa and other neighbouring countries.
“However, all we are getting is coal dust, smoke, noise of heavy machines and spills of coal waste that are scorching our rice fields and other side effects. In two or three weeks’ time, we will shut down the mine if they continue neglecting our interests.”
Threats to close the mine have been looming since August 2013.
When contacted, Eland head of sales and marketing Mayamiko Mwinjilo, who speaks for the company, asked for a questionnaire which has not yet been responded to.
