RE: Malawi18 Apr 2026 15:50
Sorry
Missed top of article
BusinessMiningIndustries
Concern over mining firm’s licensing ‘irregularities’
By Mercy Matonga
18 Apr 2026
FontsSaveListenSharePrintPage ViewMore
+1Similar Stories
Mkango Resources, one of Malawi’s longstanding mining companies, is operating under a Mining Development Agreement (MDA) and multiple exploration licences despite not holding a mining licence.
The matter is subject of concern for the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources.
The firm is not in breach of any law, according to mining sector expert, Grain Malunga, but the situation highlights the need for Malawi to tighten its regulatory framework to avoid doubts and speculations.
If these gaps are not fixed, they could have broader implications, he said.
Mkango Resources, a
Canadian firm, is in advanced stage of its Songwe Hill rare earths project in Phalombe District.
When asked how the Mkango Resources case became possible, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy and Mining, Serah Singini, pointed to provisions in the law that grants the minister discretionary powers to authorize certain operations.
According to Singini, Mkango Resources has expressed interest in applying for a mining licence and it is finalising the remaining steps required to submit its application.
She said the minister, consistent with the prevailing laws, may enter into an agreement with any person and grant a medium or large-scale mining licence.