Mining minister urges Malawi media to look beyond controversy in sector coverage

Minister of Mining Thoko Tembo has called on journalists to play a more balanced role in reporting on Malawi’s mining sector, describing the media as a crucial tool for disseminating accurate information to the public.

Tembo made the remarks in Salima during a Media Engagement on Mining and Mineral related matters, urging reporters to ground their coverage in facts, credible sources and a proper understanding of the issues at hand.

“In this respect mining stories should not only focus on controversies. There are also opportunities that deserve attention,” he said.

The minister said journalists should also highlight positive developments within the sector, including job creation, the growth of local businesses linked to mining, skills development, mineral value addition, investment opportunities, technological innovation, and the participation of young people and women in mining.

Tembo added that the media had an important role to play in promoting responsible mining practices, particularly by educating communities and miners on environmental protection, occupational safety and health, responsible use of mining technologies, and compliance with existing laws.

Speaking at the same event, Mining and Mineral Regulatory Authority (MMRA) Acting Director General Lloyd Muhara echoed the call for accurate, balanced and factual reporting on mineral-related issues.

“The media needs to be equipped with necessary skills for effective reporting,” he said.

Muhara noted that the mining sector remains highly technical and complex, with issues around licensing, operations, environmental protection, processing, exports and taxation often prone to misunderstanding without proper context.

“We need the media that can help the public understand issues of mining and mineral related issues,” he said.

Mining currently contributes around one percent to Malawi’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), though industry experts have projected the sector could grow by as much as 10 percent over the next five years.