Lotus Africa Limited says results of a recent environmental and social impact assessment (Esia) collected around Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga District show no negative detrimental effects to the community.
This came to light on Tuesday during a meeting C12 Consultants organised for journalists under Karonga Press Club aimed at updating the media on the current status of mining activities set to start by the end of the year.
In an interview, C12 Consultants senior environmental officer Rob Hartley Louis said the Esia looked at all potential environmental and social impacts.
He said: “We have noted that among the serious and negative Eisa impacts, are dust flying to the surrounding community while the social impact includes the influx of people to the area.
“However, on the positive impact, there will be the contribution of economic growth and forex generation.”
Louis also said the resumption of mining activities will see about 400 Malawians getting employment and 34 expatriates working at the site.
Karonga Press Club chairperson Adams Wundaninge commended C12 Consultants for the meeting, saying it provided journalists with rich information to enhance accurate and objective reporting.
“The rich information obtained through this engagement will help journalists to write from an informed point of view while reporting accurately on issues to do with environmental degradation,” he said.
Wundaninge has since asked C12 Consultants and Lotus Africa Limited to keep on engaging key stakeholders on critical issues.
Lotus Africa Limited owns 85 percent of the stakes in Kayelekera Uranium Mining while government owns 15 percent.
