The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA), in collaboration with the Department of Mining, conducted a series of sensitization and consultative meetings with key stakeholders in the Northern Region as part of efforts to curb the rising cases of illegal and unsafe mining activities in the country.

The meetings, held in selected districts in the North, brought together traditional leaders, district council officials, security agencies, and other stakeholders to discuss mining safety, compliance, and community involvement in regulating mining activities.

Speaking during the meetings, Mining Director of Administration, Andrew Chisamba, said the engagement was prompted by a series of mining-related accidents that have occurred across the country, resulting in the loss of lives.

“What prompted these consultative meetings are accidents that have occurred so far in the country and the lives that have been lost in the process, all due to illegal and unsafe mining. As a department, we felt we could not just sit back but take action, starting with consultative meetings with key stakeholders at district level,” said Chisamba.

MMRA Director General, Mphatso Chikoti, emphasized that traditional leaders and district structures play a critical role in identifying illegal mining activities and promoting safe and lawful mining practices within their communities.

Meanwhile, Paramount Chief Chiikulamayembe has appealed to MMRA and the Department of Mining to maintain the engagement model, noting that involving chiefs and local leadership enhances community awareness, compliance, and collective responsibility in addressing illegal and unsafe mining.

MMRA and the Department of Mining reaffirmed their commitment to continuous stakeholder engagement as part of broader efforts to regulate the mining sector and promote safe, sustainable, and lawful mining practices for the benefit of Malawians.