Bravo Mining Limited consultant Fortune Phiri has assured people of Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwenewenya in Chitipa District of socioeconomic empowerment after opening coal and uranium mines in the area.
He said this on Saturday during a District Executive Sub- Committee Meeting when he sought approval to conduct an environmental and social management plan (ESMP) for exploration licence for coal and uranium in the area.
Phiri said communities in T/A Mwenewenya should expect improved living standards once the company’s activities roll out.
“Once the exploration exercise starts, the priority will be given to locals for job opportunities. In doing so, skills will be transferred from experts to local workers and the country will boost its geological data as Bravo Mining Limited will provide geological information to government,” he said
Chitipa District Council director of economic planning and development Philemon Maseko described the exploration exercise as a good development.
“Once successful, people of T/A Mwenewenya will have access to job opportunities. Again, the company will implement projects under its corporate social responsibility,” he said.
In random interviews, community members in T/A Mwenewenya welcomed the exploration exercise.
Raphael Kayira, a community member, said it will be important for the company to involve locals at every stage of the exercise “We will be interested to see that local people benefit from the mining activities. This is one of the areas that needs development in terms of good roads, water access and other social amenities,” he said.
The company has set aside K150 million for the exercise expected to run for five years from the date of approval.
However, the amount will be updated depending on the fluctuation of the kwacha.
