By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Mining Thoko Tembo has challenged journalists to broaden their reporting on Malawi’s mining industry, saying coverage should go beyond disputes and controversies to examine the sector’s wider economic and social potential.
Tembo made the remarks in Salima during a media engagement focused on mining and mineral-related issues. He said journalists have a responsibility to provide the public with accurate information based on facts, reliable sources and a clear understanding of the technical issues surrounding mining.
The minister said reporting should also draw attention to opportunities emerging from the sector, including employment, investment, local business development, skills transfer, mineral processing and value addition.
He further encouraged the media to highlight the increasing involvement of young people and women in mining, as well as technological developments that could help transform the industry.
According to Tembo, journalists can also contribute to responsible mining by educating communities and miners about environmental conservation, workplace safety, occupational health, appropriate use of mining technologies and adherence to the law.
Acting Director General of the Mining and Mineral Regulatory Authority (MMRA), Lloyd Muhara, supported the minister’s call, saying journalists require stronger technical knowledge to report effectively on mining.
Muhara observed that the industry involves complex areas such as licensing, mining operations, environmental safeguards, mineral processing, exports and taxation. Without adequate understanding, he said, some of these issues can easily be misrepresented or misunderstood.
He said the media should help ordinary Malawians understand how the mining industry operates and its potential contribution to national development.
Mining currently accounts for about one percent of Malawi’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while industry projections suggest the sector could expand by up to 10 percent over the next five years.
The officials said stronger cooperation between the mining industry and the media could contribute to better public understanding and encourage responsible development of Malawi’s mineral resources.
