Minister of Mining, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, says commencement of extraction of rare earth at Kangankunde Mining Site in Balaka has potential to boost the country’s economy as the mining site will be able to remit over US$80 million annually to Malawi’s economy.
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The Minister disclosed this in Balaka on Wednesday during the launch of Lindian Rare Earth Mining activities and construction of a tar mark road from the M1 Road to Kangankunde Mining Site to improve transportation of various items to and from the site.
“I am grateful to President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for initiating the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy. Out of the mining sector, the country’s economy will grow.
“What Lindian Associates has done here in Balaka is commendable; with their deposits of 600 million out of the mining sites. This will turn Malawi to a better place,” he said.
He asked the company to look after the environment, observing that most investors leave out big trenches when leaving mining sites.
He, therefore, expressed hope that the mining activities will also provide employment to young people and women in the area.
“The impending transition from exploration to mining brings forth significant opportunities including employment creation, skills transfer and capacity building for Malawians, infrastructure development as well as revenue generation, among others,” he said.
Lindian Associates Executive Chairperson, Rob Martin, said the road construction will create economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
“Lindian is committed to provide job opportunities to communities, support local business and enhance local infrastructure which will help develop the area through several activities,” he said.
Martin made an assurance that his company will continue supporting government to accelerate the country’s economy.
