The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) on Thursday held a regional stakeholder consultation meeting in Lilongwe as part of the process of developing its Five-Year Strategic Plan aimed at strengthening governance and regulation of the country’s mining sector.

The consultation sought to gather views and recommendations from key stakeholders on mining-related issues that should be addressed in the Strategic Plan, which will guide the Authority’s operations in the next five years.

Speaking during the official opening of the meeting, MMRA Acting Director General Lloyd Muhara, SC said the Strategic Plan will serve as the Authority’s blueprint for effectively delivering its mandate.

“The Strategic Plan we are developing is not merely an institutional document. It is a public and living document that will guide how the Authority contributes to national development through effective mineral resource governance,” Muhara said.

“As we deliberate today, let us collectively shape a Strategic Plan that will position MMRA as a strong, credible and effective regulator capable of contributing meaningfully to socio-economic transformation through sustainable mineral resource management,” He added.

The consultation brought together participants from civil society organisations, the media, government ministries, mining industry players and financial institutions.

MMRA also conducted similar consultation meetings in the Northern and Southern regions.