Mining firms urged to give back to society

Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances and Public Reforms have called on mining companies in the country to do more on corporate social responsibility .

Committee chairperson Noel Lipipa said this on Thursday in Blantyre after the committee summoned officials from Ministry of Mining for a progress report on mining developments in the country.

Lipipa, who is the Blantyre City South legislator Democratic Progressive Party, said: “So, we will go to all active mining sites across the country to see how the mines are benefiting the people in those areas. We will hear from the community members themselves on how useful the mining ventures are to communities.”

However, he commended the ministry for ensuring that the mining sector is vibrant.

Ministry of Mining Principal Secretary Joseph Mkandawire said they determined to bring a change in the sector by ensuring increased mining investments based on sustainable development principles and practices.

He said: “We are geared to cultivate an atmosphere of orderliness in the manner mining should be conducted and promote transparency and accountability to make mining a significant contributor to the national economy.”

After the meeting, the committee visited Mota-Engil quarry stone site in Machinjiri and Terrastone quarry site in Njuli in Chiradzulu District. n