"A call for justice in extractive industries"

...Malawi is endowed with variable Minerals, oil and gas, which if well managed can contribute to economic growth and reduce poverty. Karonga District, has more than 5 active mines and over 8 prospective investors...[However], mining activities commenced many years back, yet the majority of Malawians and, in particular the people of Karonga have hardly benefited from wealth realized from the extractive activities...The civil society greatly appreciate steps taken by the government in reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act (1981) so that it resonates with the current aspiration of Malawians...

The history of extractive industry in Karonga District has demonstrated that the industry can be oppressive, exclusive and alienating leading to poverty of Malawian citizens especially. A vivid example of unfair processes of reallocation, resettlement and compensation of affected population has been recorded in Karonga District in which some of the affected people are in dire poverty today. We have learnt that in many cases, communities are not informed about the extractive activities prior to when investors come, and they do not give consent, and in case where consent is given; like the cases of Kayelekela Uranium Mine, it is not genuine, not free and many times coerced. Above all, there are no clear modalities for investors to share benefits with affected communities. We also reflected on the readiness and capacity of relevant government officials in enforcing extractive industry’s related legal framework and negotiation of beneficial ownership agreements for all Malawians...

Considering the short comings above, we members of the civil society working in Karonga District appeal...that the government...hastens and completes the process of reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act of 1981. We believe that much of the suffering of the people hosting mining activities are as a result to the archaic statutes. Nonetheless, we call on government to ensure that, as it reviews the law, the process is open to the public where all are free to participate, or are aware at what stage the review process is.