MMRA DEFENDS REGULATORY PROCESS AMID MULANJE MOUNTAIN MINING CONTROVERSY

BY GREGORY GONDWE

 

In the midst of growing concerns surrounding proposed bauxite mining on Mulanje Mountain, the Malawi Mining Regulatory Authority (MMRA) has come forward to clarify its role in regulating Akatswiri Minerals’ activities. Responding to a detailed questionnaire from the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), MMRA emphasized that no mining license has yet been issued to Akatswiri Minerals and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all legal processes are followed before any mining activity can commence.

Licensing and Compliance

The issue of Akatswiri Minerals’ licensing has been a key point of contention, with accusations that the company began exploratory work on the mountain without the required permissions. However, the MMRA maintains that Akatswiri Minerals has not been granted a mining license yet, as the company has not fulfilled the necessary environmental requirements.

“Akatswiri Mineral Resources applied for a mining license, and their application was evaluated by the Mineral Resources Committee,” MMRA Director Samuel Sakhuta stated in a written response. “The committee recommended the grant of the license, subject to the submission of environmental clearance through an approved Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).”

Sakhuta

While exploratory activities have been reported, MMRA made it clear that Akatswiri has not commenced any mining operations and that no license will be issued until all conditions, including the ESIA, are fully satisfied.

Monitoring and Oversight

Given Mulanje Mountain’s status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, concerns have been raised about how mining operations might impact the fragile ecosystem. Sakhuta underscored that it works closely with the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) to ensure environmental compliance in sensitive areas.

“We do not issue a license before an applicant submits an approved ESIA,” the MMRA affirmed. “MEPA is responsible for monitoring environmental compliance, while MMRA monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of mining licenses through regular inspections.”

Sakhuta also noted that its regulatory framework, including the Mines and Minerals Act of 2019 and its 2023 revision, guides all mining activities in Malawi, including in protected areas like Mulanje Mountain. The Act provides for stakeholder consultations, which are a key part of the compliance monitoring process.

Community Engagement and Impact

One of the major grievances from the Mulanje community has been the lack of public consultation regarding Akatswiri Minerals’ project. The community fears the environmental impact of bauxite mining, especially in relation to water contamination and the disruption of local livelihoods.

In its response, MMRA acknowledged the importance of community engagement and committed to ensuring that consultations with all stakeholders, including local communities, are conducted before any mining activities begin.

“Each company is required to take note of all structures in the community, such as the District Commissioner, local leaders, and civil societies,” Sakhuta said. “When Akatswiri reaches the stage to start mining, MMRA will advise them on what they will need to do to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately consulted.”

Despite this, the regulatory body stated that, as of now, it has not received any formal complaints or concerns from the Mulanje community. However, MMRA assured that it is ready to facilitate dialogue between Akatswiri Minerals, the community, and other stakeholders to address any concerns about environmental risks, health hazards, and water contamination.

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development

In terms of environmental safeguards, the MMRA Director reiterated that any future mining on Mulanje Mountain would be subject to strict environmental management and monitoring plans as outlined in the ESIA.

“The ESIA study addresses environmental impacts and provides a plan for management and monitoring to ensure the project is sustainably implemented,” he explained. Additionally, he stated that Akatswiri Minerals will be required to submit a detailed mine closure and rehabilitation plan, which will be assessed before the start of any mining activities.

MMRA also emphasized that it adheres to international standards and best practices for environmental protection, especially in areas as ecologically significant as Mulanje Mountain. The body has committed to ensuring that the long-term environmental impact of mining activities will be mitigated through proper planning and ongoing regulatory oversight.

Transparency and Accountability

As public scrutiny around the Mulanje mining project intensifies, questions have arisen about the transparency of MMRA’s decision-making processes. Sakhuta responded by highlighting its multi-step process for approving mining licenses, which involves input from various governmental bodies and committees, including MEPA and the Mineral Resources Committee.

“The decision to approve a mining license is made by the board, not by an individual,” Sakhuta clarified. “Licensing is never conducted in a hidden manner, and we ensure transparency by sharing license information with the relevant District Commissioners for public awareness.”

The Authority also pointed out that it has implemented a public cadastre system, which allows the public to access information about all licensed mining activities in Malawi. The MMRA Commissioner reiterated the Authority’s commitment to maintaining transparency and making project-related information accessible to the public, including posting updates on its website.

Political Influence and Conflict of Interest

One of the more controversial aspects of the Mulanje Mountain mining issue is the alleged involvement of politically connected individuals, particularly Nick Chakwera, the son of President Lazarus Chakwera. MMRA responded firmly, stating that it operates as a non-partisan regulatory body.

“There is always a separation of power, and MMRA is a non-partisan institution established by an act of parliament,” Sakhuta stated. He further dismissed concerns about political interference in the Mulanje mining project, asserting that its role is to regulate the mining sector in accordance with the law, regardless of political affiliations.

MMRA did not directly address the allegations against Chakwera but emphasized that no individual or political figure has the authority to bypass the country’s legal and regulatory frameworks for personal gain.

Looking Forward

As the debate over the future of Mulanje Mountain’s natural resources continues, MMRA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that any development on the mountain aligns with national environmental and mining laws. Sakhuta also indicated plans to further engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that mining activities, if approved, are conducted in a way that benefits the country while protecting the environment.

“MMRA is sourcing financial resources to conduct public sensitization campaigns across districts where mining projects are taking place,” the Director noted. “Our goal is to help people understand how mining can contribute to economic development while observing best environmental management practices.”

 

Editor's Note: The Platform for Investigative Journalism will continue to monitor developments in the Mulanje Mountain mining project and provide updates as more information becomes available.