Fifty-five mining exploration applications are earmarked for removal from the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority management and tracking system for failing to comply with conditions.
According to a press statement issued by the authority and published yesterday, betweem the years 2020 ans 2025, 46 small and medium companies applied for 55 licences for exploration of minerals, but they have failed to fulfillsapplication conditions.
dishonest officers. | Nation
At least 39 of the 55 applications have issues with meeting environmental clearance requirements while others failed to submit exploration budgets, provide proof of financial capacity or conduct ground verification to ascertain site boundaries.
In the statement, the authority’s director general Samuel Sakhuta said the press release is a final warning, adding that “This step is essential to clean up the cadastre map and create opportunities for new applicants who are technically and financially capable.”
The cadastre system is a digital dashboard used for management, recording and monitoring of mineral rights and licences to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
In an interview yesterday, Chamber of Mines and Energy national coordinator Grain Malunga said the removal of the applications will help clean up the cadastre system.
He said: “The system was infiltrated by dishonest officers who were blocking areas for personal gains. The removal will free up space for serious investors.”
Geologist Ignatius Kamwanje said the authority is enforcing compliance by ensuring that areas which were claimed by the applicants should not be idle but be offered to other investors with financial muscle.
The Mines and Minerals Act of 2023 established the authority to regulate the mineral sector in the development and utilization of mineral resources in line with sustainable development principles and practices and for the benefit of Malawians.
Mining is one of the four major priority to stimulate economic growth.
