Mining regulator backs Portland expansion
The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority says it cannot suspend the $100 million (about K175 billion) Balaka Portland Cement Integrated Plant expansion project at Ng’onga Hill Mine due to compensation and relocation disputes.
In a statement dated January 20 2025 responding to concerns by Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (Cdedi) who wanted the project to be suspended, the authority’s director general Samuel Sakhuta said the matter has not reached a point of failing to be resolved.

He said a civil society organisation (CSO) from Lilongwe should not take part in resolving this matter, adding that if CSOs are needed, then it should be those from Balaka.
“The people should be allowed to express their genuine concerns on their own without insinuating the situation. Cdedi has no power to suspend mining operations,” said Sakhuta.
The authority cited Section 246 (b) of the Mines and Mineral Act, which provides that if someone “unlawfully interferes or threatens to interfere with or obstructs or threatens to obstruct any reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration, retention, mining or other operations authorised by or under this Act…commits an offence and shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine of K10 million and to two years imprisonment”.
But the authority acknowledges that the issues raised by the CSO were pertinent, adding that mining is not meant to victimise the people and render them homeless and helpless.
“Should it be true that there is evidence on the raised issues, the conflict resolution committee should be formed if it is not there yet and look into the matter,” reads the statement.
In a letter dated January 16 2025, Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa alleged that what is happening at the project site is an “outright loss of property and economic rights” and total disregard for the Land Acquisition Management Act and Mines and Minerals Act.
Portland Cement Malawi Limited head of marketing, corporate affairs and administration Violet Vilili in an interview on Wednesday justified the expansion project, saying it has potential to achieve significant benefits not only to the company, but to the entire economy.
She said the benefits include creation of 500 direct and 3 000 indirect jobs in both skilled and unskilled labour, clinker and cement import substitution worth $50 million (about K86 billion), generation of foreign exchange through exports estimated at $15 million (about K26 billion) and advancement in technology in cement production.
Said Vilili: “As a responsible corporate citizen, and being the first cement manufacturer in Malawi having operated since 1956, Portland Cement Malawi has always been compliant to governing requirements and regulation.
“The company remains committed and vigilant to comply with all necessary processes and procedures in its existing operation.”
President Lazarus Chakwera launched the Balaka Portland Cement Integrated Plant on July 25 2024, emphasising that the project is in line with the Malawi Government’s priority under agriculture, tourism and mining strategy to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.