Ministry of Energy and Mining Department of Mines has engaged Karonga District Environmental Sub-Committee on the formulation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Policy aimed at promoting sustainable, inclusive and well-regulated development of the mining sub-sector.
Speaking on Monday during the district-level stakeholder consultation in Karonga, the department’s chief inspector David Liabunya said the meeting sought to gather input, perspectives and recommendations from key stakeholders to ensure that the policy is inclusive, practical and responsive to local realities.
the meeting. | George Mponda
He said the mining sector remains crucial to the country’s economic development; hence, the need to sanitise the industry and stop illegal mining activities.
“We want to ensure that artisanal and small-scale mining is properly regulated and conducted in a sustainable manner. Illegal mining has affected both the environment and the sector’s growth. So, this policy will provide proper
guidance and coordination,” said Liabunya.
He said the policy seeks to improve the livelihoods of artisanal and small-scale miners by supporting their economic welfare and creating an enabling environment for lawful mining operations.
Karonga district director of education services Mercy Mayuni, who represented the district commissioner, said Karonga is endowed with various mineral resources and has in recent years experienced an influx of illegal miners.
“There is need to protect the environment from illegal mining activities through this policy while at the same time empowering artisanal and small-scale miners so that they contribute positively to the district’s economy,” she said.
Karonga District Civil Society Organisations Network chairperson Edgar Phiri commended the government for involving stakeholders in the formulation process, saying the consultations will help produce a policy that reflects the needs and challenges that communities involved in mining activities face.
He urged authorities to ensure that local communities benefit from mining activities through environmental protection, job creation and improved livelihoods.
