Minister of Mining, Monica Chang’anamuno, has urged local councils to play a pivotal role in regulating the mining sector within their jurisdictions.
Chang’anamuno delivered the message during an engagement she had with people in Mangochi to address challenges and explore opportunities in the mining industry.
She stressed the government’s commitment in ensuring that the mining sector benefits local communities and called upon local authorities to remain vigilant and prevent undocumented mining, warning against deceptive practices such as marrying locals with the ulterior motive of illegal mineral extraction.
Smart Gwedemula, the District Commissioner for Mangochi, cited mining activities in Namizimu Forest as one of the areas of concern.
Gwedemula expressed gratitude for the minister’s intervention, acknowledging that previously there were limitations in addressing such issues at the local level, which often necessitated referrals to the ministry.
By Mirriam Kaliza
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