UN wants positive mining policies

Malawi has been urged to put in place tangible measures in exploiting natural resources while strengthening its relatively weak institutions.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) deputy resident representative Carol Flore made the call in Lilongwe during the ongoing high-level Forum on Extractive Industries.

“Designing, implementing and monitoring policies to manage risks associated with natural resources must be aided by strong institutional frameworks.

The development of independent, accountable and transparent institutions is, therefore, critical to sustainable exploitation of natural resources and mitigation of the resource curse,” said Flore on Tuesday, during the official opening ceremony of the two-day meeting that has drawn together stakeholders in the mining sector.

Among others, the meeting will deepen the understanding of contract negotiations and renegotiations, revenue collection and management, planning and investment as well as governance, monitoring and oversight of Malawi’s extractive sector, for sustainable human development, according to Minister of Mines in John Bande.