Minister says mining will diversify economy
Minister of Mining Albert Mbawala has said the mining industry has huge potential to diversify the country’s economy.
The minister made the remarks in reaction to developments in Ntcheu where three companies, namely Mwalawanga, Fortune Hills and Tiger Cement will start mining activities soon.
“We have learnt from other countries that have developed from mining that it is a profitable industry. As government, we want to diversify the economy from agriculture to mining,” said Mbawala.
So far, Ntcheu has registered Mwalawanga Company to explore precious stones around Chimwazulu hills in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mpando, Tiger Cement Company to explore kaolinitic clay (podzzola), a component used for making cement in ST/A Tsikulamowa and Fortune Hills Company to explore, among others, minerals such as gold, titanium, platinum, copper, tin and zinc in T/As Phambala, Mpando and ST/A Tsikulamowa.
On her part, Ntcheu district environmental officer Hellen Nyirenda said Ntcheu District’s terrain and geology gives hope of availability of minerals.
She said that a mapping exercise was already conducted which acts as a guide for the explorers.
“Exploration comes to confirm what minerals are there,” she said.
On his part, Ntcheu district commissioner Francis Matewere has urged the companies to be transparent and accountable in line with the agenda 2063.
