The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) on Tuesday sensitised the Karonga District Council’s District Environmental Sub-Committee (DESC) on the Authority’s mandate, mineral sector regulation, and measures being implemented to address illegal mining in the country.

Making a presentation during the meeting, MMRA Senior Inspection and Enforcement Officer Maxwell Kudzala said the Government established MMRA to regulate the mining sector and create an enabling environment for the development and effective utilisation of Malawi’s mineral resources.

Kudzala said MMRA is also engaging communities on the effects of illegal mining, as well as procedures for obtaining Small-Scale Mining Licences and other mineral tenements.

“Section 35 of the Mines and Minerals Act, 2023, prohibits any individual or entity from conducting mining operations, including reconnaissance and exploration, without obtaining the necessary mineral tenement or mining permit,” he said.

He added that possession of minerals without lawful authority is an offence under Section 244, while receiving unlawfully obtained minerals is an offence under Section 245.

“The Authority is also empowered under Section 231 to seize or destroy equipment found at unauthorised mining sites, including both mobile and fixed equipment,” Kudzala said.

In his remarks, Karonga District Council Director of Economic Planning and Development, Gildrate Kavalo, said curbing illegal mining would enable the district to benefit from its mineral resources through employment creation, increased household incomes and other economic activities.

He therefore thanked MMRA for conducting the sensitisation meeting, saying it had been an eye-opener and had greatly enhanced the council’s understanding of a number of issues concerning the mining sector.

He said the engagement had also provided an opportunity for the council to gain a better understanding of the regulatory requirements, the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, and the need for continued collaboration in promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.