The Minister of Mining Honourable Thoko Tembo, MP has urged media practitioners to play a greater role in promoting responsible mining and helping Malawians understand developments in the mining sector.

Tembo made the call on Tuesday when he officially opened a two-day media training workshop on reporting mining and minerals-related issues in Salima.

He urged the media practitioners to go beyond reporting statements by investigating issues, visiting mining sites, engaging communities and consulting experts to provide accurate and balanced information.

“The mining sector is technical and at times complex. We therefore need a media that is well informed and capable of translating technical mining issues into information that ordinary Malawians can easily understand,” Tembo said.

He also encouraged the media to highlight opportunities in mining, including investment, employment, value addition and local participation, while reporting responsibly on issues such as illegal mining, smuggling and environmental issues.

In his remarks, Acting Director General of the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA), Lloyd Muhara, SC, said the media is a key partner in providing communities with reliable information on the mining sector.

“It is our interest that the media practitioners have access to accurate, reliable and relevant information on mining regulations and licensing procedures,” Muhara said.

Speaking as a participant, Kingsley Jassi of Times Group said the training has come at a right time as the media need strong understanding of the mining sector to provide the public with accurate, relevant and timely information.

“This interface is very critical, especially at a time when mining is emerging as a major economic hope for the nation. The public needs relevant information and regular updates on what is happening in the sector.

This can only happen when the media has the necessary technical knowledge and understanding of mining issues,” Jassi said.

The training workshop brought together media practitioners from national media houses, online platforms and community radio stations to strengthen their understanding and capacity to effectively report on mining and minerals related issues.