ActionAid has described its climate justice project on mining in Balaka District as a success, following a final review and progress update meeting held to assess its impact on local communities.
The project, which targeted Traditional Authorities Chanthunya and Phalula, was implemented from January 2025 to December 2025.
Project Officer for ActionAid, Charles Finisi Phiri, said the project focused on promoting responsible and climate-friendly mining practices and exceeded its target by reaching more than 2,000 people against an initial target of 400.
Finisi Phiri said the project helped address some community concerns linked to mining activities, including dust pollution, noting that one mining company is now watering affected areas three times a day.
Phiri added that women and youth have been empowered to confidently demand their rights from duty bearers.
On sustainability, Phiri said stakeholders are working hand-in-hand with various organisations to ensure continuity of the initiative, either through an extension of the current project or the introduction of a replacement programme.
He said partners are developing proposals to mobilise funding to address environmental degradation and governance challenges in the mining sector, in collaboration with government.
Despite the positive outcomes, Phiri acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly weak checks and balances at district level and the continued use of mercury by some artisanal and small-scale miners, a practice that poses serious health risks to under-five children and pregnant women.
Chairperson for the Mining Thematic Group under the Balaka Civil Society Organisation Network, Gift Mtupa, said the project has empowered local communities to hold duty bearers accountable on environmental and social impacts of mining activities in the district.
Mtupa noted that resistance still exists among some artisanal and small-scale miners who are reluctant to shift from illegal and risky mining practices to responsible and environmentally friendly methods.
He also raised a challenge, saying there is no dedicated officer or focal person to relay community concerns from mining areas to the headquarters, leaving some issues unresolved.
Meanwhile, Youth Lead for National Youth in Mining for the Southern Region, Aubrey Duwa, said young people benefited from trainings on legal mining and how communities can benefit from mining activities, especially with the presence of legally registered mining companies in Balaka.
Mtupa concluded by thanking ActionAid for implementing the project, describing it as a timely intervention towards promoting responsible mining practices in the district.
By Hellen Luwayo, Balaka
