Mining company builds Malingunde Community Hall

Ministry of Mining has described the development of the mining sector as crucial for the country’s socio-economic development.

Minister of Mining Albert Mbawala said this when he officially opened Malingunde Community Centre Hall in Lilongwe constructed by Sovereign Services Limited, a mining company expected to start extracting graphite in the area.

The minister said Malawi stands to benefit more from the mining activities by Sovereign Services Limited which he said could be a good replacement for agriculture the country has relied on as a main source of income for years.

Mbawala assured people in the area that no corruption would be entertained on his ministry’s watch.

“We have a comprehensive policy and a new Mines and Minerals Act of 2019 which stipulate how mining agreements should be done where 0.05 per cent of gross sales are supposed to go to communities in which mining activities are happening,” he said.

Mbawala commended Sovereign Services Limited for constructing the community hall, saying it would assist in revenue generation for the area.

The company’s exploration geologist Reidwell Nyirenda said they constructed the community hall as a token of appreciation for the good working relationship with the community throughout their feasibility study.

He said mining activities will start in 2024 with a K50 billion investment.

The Australian company started its feasibility study in 2016. The exercise involved collection of graphite samples from the area.