By Chisomo Phiri
The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) has expressed concern over the continued illegal mining of precious stones in areas where fatal accidents and injuries have occurred following the collapse of mines in Kasungu District.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,MMRA Director General(DG), Mphatso Chikoti, said some individuals are deliberately facilitating the continuation of the illegal activities in order to advance their personal interests.
“If we deal with those who are promoting this malpractice, we believe the situation will improve,” he said .
Commenting on the matter, mining expert Grain Malunga said the challenge is that too much authority is concentrated within the Ministry of Mining.
He noted that there is a need to decentralise some powers to local councils and community structures to improve oversight.
Earlier this year, more than 10 people were killed while others sustained injuries after a mine collapsed in areas under Traditional Authorities(T/As) Suza and Chitathamapiri in Kasungu District.