Paladin’s Walker must go, Kyungu tells Malawi govt

Paramount Chief Kyungu has asked Malawi government  to give country director of Australian-registered Paladin Africa Limited, Greg Walker, removal directions from the country, accusing him of throwing to the dogs laws governing mining in the county to which the company duly signed to respect.

“If you want the mining to continue [peacefully]  Paladin boss Greg Walker should not be allowed in the country because he is the one imposing stupid decisions,” claimed Kyungu at a town hall meeting  which Minister of Natural Resource Energy and Mines Atupele Muluzi  held with locals on mining issues and Kayelekela uranium project.

Tough-talking Kyungu accused Paladin’s Walker of being “inhumane and arrogant”.

The chief is concerned for the non compliance with environmental and safety standards at the mine.

Kyungu wondered why  Paladin is barring chiefs, the civil society and journalists from entering Kayerekera mine site to see for themselves  “if all is well.”

The Paramount Chief told the minister that government should peacefully remove Walker out of the country or the Karonga people will deport him themselves   – forcefully.

Other issues the locals expressed concern with were the suspending mining operations at Kayelekela in February 2014 without notice and that what Paladin did was illegal.

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), one of the organisations calling for justice from Kayelekela mining, called on government to punish Paladin for their actions.

Speaking during the Karonga meeting  which Muluzi addressed, Pastor Frank Phiri presenting religious leaders advised the minister that government should hear people’s concerns over the mine and act on them.

Paladin on Wednesday confirmed the leakage of one of its dam due to the heavy rainfall. However, groups are alleging that Paladin deliberately broke their dam as part of draining the waste.

Muluzi visited some of the mining companies in the district such as Nkhachila coal mine which is under Malcoal Company and Kayelekera uranium mine Company.