Minister should give more information on Malawi mineral composition

The Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Bright Msaka launched the much-anticipated high resolution airborne geophysical survey results two weeks ago. There was great expectation among Malawians to know the results of this survey that government has conducted over the past year. However, the minister has not disclosed to Malawians details of how spread these minerals are and, perhaps, quantities.

Msaka: Give more details
Msaka: Give more details

The minister should have given a breakdown of where these minerals are and the types we have. Sources privy to the survey say Malawi has platinum, copper, uranium, coal, gold etc. This information should be available to all Malawians because it is in the public interest and Malawians need to know. This information should not be a preserve of a few individuals, let alone investors. What is the minister hiding?

Incidentally, a few weeks ago Msaka accused the media of failing to encourage investors in the mining sector because of negative reporting, yet he is hiding vital information from the people who are entitled to know.

The information he has given does not give much hope that Malawians will benefit from these minerals. If the minister is failing to disclose the minerals that have been discovered, it is doubtful that citizens will know what is contained in mineral agreements?

Another worrying development is that government seems not to take charge of the mining sector as it seems to be pushing everything to foreign investors. It shows government has little capacity to lead and is running away from responsibility.

Government needs to invest in the mining sector. The resources are there but government lacks vision and direction. If one looks at the money government has wasted and continues to waste through corruption, Cashgate, State banquets, travels and other luxuries, one realises that it is more than enough to invest in the mining sector. The K6 billion for loan defaulters with Malawi Savings Bank (MSB) could have been put to better use for the benefit of Malawians.

If the mentality of government does not change, Malawians will not benefit from the mines. Government should provide leadership and take charge of the minerals. Otherwise, we will always be at the mercy of foreign investors who will take advantage of our mineral wealth because government has developed a defeatist attitude that it cannot do without foreign investors.

We have seen how Kayelekera Uranium Mine has not benefitted Malawians, let alone the people of Karonga. Already people in Inkosi Mabilabo in Mzimba have threatened to take over Kanyika Nobium Mine run by Global Metals of Australia because they say the company has neglected their welfare. Government shares much blame for this because it does not monitor the agreement it signed with Global Metals.

The crux of the matter is that government needs to handle the mining sector properly.

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benjones
9 years ago

this is another cash gate story and will end badly

saggy
saggy
9 years ago

The types of airborne geophysical surveys cannot, in general, discriminate deposits of individual minerals. The only deposits airborne magnetics and radiometrics can truly identify are iron (magnetic) and uranium (radioactive) – and in any case, cannot discriminate amounts or concentrations. What the survey can actually define is (probable) rock types that MAY BE prospective for certain mineral deposit types. Then, large amounts of field exploration is required – usually using sophisticated equipment and by trained geologists and geophysicists. It is just not as simple as fly the airborne survey and start mining. There are many stages of ground exploration and… Read more »

Paul @ Eco Stores Direct

It’s hard to see why the government wouldn’t make some sort of company for this. Nachisale is right on this one

chechamba
chechamba
9 years ago

Msaka is a crook. Why he is accusing the media for doing their job? He is selling the mineral report booklets to interested investors at$10,000 per copy. He is cashgating in a smart way. Acb what are you doing??

Zubayumo man.
9 years ago

Malawi wil never change. All our leaderd are Thieves. Mudzamva kuti auje ali ndi mine yawo yawo.. Akubisa chani.

Kenkkk
Kenkkk
9 years ago

I totally agree with Byron and nachisale. It is deliberately done so that the few in this plundering incompetent govt continue to steal mining revenue to self enrich themselves. There is no need to hide information, the more you do the more we believe you in the govt are up to something no good. This is a very important for our country to diversify its economy and get more revenue income for development. You should immediately establish a national mining company, an NGO to oversee and strategies all mining activities in the country in similar lines like the tobacco control… Read more »

Byron
Byron
9 years ago

What is the main of objective behind surveying for minerals? Is it to lay the groundwork for the country’s prosperity or is it just to relay the information about the country’s potential to would-be investors? Laying the groundwork for prosperity doesn’t mean disposing of all the mineral wealth at the hands of those who would develop the minerals possibly from abroad.Mining industry is a very sensitive undertaking because if not well planned,the country loses a great deal of revenue while foreign companies reap benefits.What I am talking about is that it is imperative for government to strategize first before embarking… Read more »

nachisale
nachisale
9 years ago

You are right. Government needs to create a National Mining Company because it is only through such investment that it will be possible to reap benefits for our country. Foreign investors are thieves and corrupt. In Africa, we continue to be stupid, misguided ny IMF that government doesn’t do business.At our stage of economic development we need government investment in mining. Kayelekera has benefited Paladin and left Karonga in poverty when the white people mining our resources are enriching themselves. The problem is our politicians are foolish and corrupt. Look at South Africa’s Marikana. But other African countries are trying… Read more »

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