Africa-Press – Malawi. ZIKHALE—We have allocated resources for enforcementMinister of Mining Ken Zikhale Ng’oma has raised alarm over increasing incidents of mineral smuggling from Malawi into Zambia.
He said valuable minerals such as galena and various metal ores are being illegally trafficked across the border.
Speaking at the close of the Youth Summit in Lilongwe Friday, Ng’oma disclosed that investigations by the ministry and relevant authorities have led to the arrest of culprits involved in the illicit trade.
He said that the matter is being handled with urgency.
“Galena is a lead sulphide mineral, an important source of both lead and silver, while ore deposits often contain critical industrial metals such as copper, gold, and iron.
“We investigated the matter, the culprits were arrested, and the mining authority is on top of the issue,” Ng’oma said.
He said the Ministry of Mining has allocated resources to intensify enforcement.
He said with continued engagement, the mining industry can contribute significantly to Malawi’s economy, especially in boosting foreign exchange earnings.
Director General of the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority, Samuel Sakhuta, said they managed to confiscate a 19-tonne tipper truck loaded with galena and ore.
“The suspect confessed that he was transporting the minerals for a client based in Zambia.
“We followed all the legal procedures and took the matter to court, where the suspects were formally charged,” Sakhuta said,
However, the Authority expressed concern over the handling of such cases by the judiciary.
Sakhuta claimed that despite clear provisions under mining laws, courts have not always enforced the penalties as expected.
“The law is explicit. Any individual found mining or transporting minerals without proper documentation must have their minerals and vehicles confiscated. But in some cases, including one involving a government excavator used in illegal mining, the court failed to enforce this,” Sakhuta said.
He called for closer collaboration with the judiciary, especially magistrate courts, to ensure the law is upheld in a way that deters future offenders.
“We are prioritising the mining sector, but illegal mining is a major threat to the progress we aim to achieve. It’s frustrating when efforts to curb this vice are not reinforced by the courts,” he said.
He said that since the establishment of the mining authority, five major incidents of illegal mining have been registered, with the estimated value of intercepted minerals totalling over K50 million.
While some culprits have been fined or jailed, inconsistencies in enforcement threaten to derail progress, he said.
“We believe stronger court rulings can act as a deterrent.
“When offenders know that illegal mining carries heavy penalties, they will be discouraged from engaging in it,” he said.
He underscored the importance of patience in the sector, noting that returns from mining can only be realised once proper mining operations have been firmly established.
“The legal framework is there. The sector is active. What remains is coordination among stakeholders—government, courts, and communities—to ensure the sector grows in a lawful and sustainable manner,” Sakhuta said.
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