The illegal gold mining activities taking place along the Nambata Stream in Zomba are raising serious concerns over poor sanitation, child labour, sexual abuse and environmental degradation.
Village Head Nsauka says the growing number of people flocking to the site has led to widespread open defecation because there are no sanitation facilities, creating health risks for miners and nearby communities. He also alleges that some women and girls who supply water to miners are being sexually exploited, while some workers are reportedly not receiving payment for their labour.
The traditional leader has further expressed concern that many school-going children have abandoned their studies to join the mining activities in search of money, exposing them to dangerous working conditions and other forms of exploitation.
Meanwhile, Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) spokesperson Sellah Singini says illegal mining is a national challenge that can only be addressed through collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders and local communities. She says the practice contributes to school dropouts, child exploitation, gender-based violence and other social problems.
According to the MMRA, a joint inspection carried out with the Malawi Police Service and Zomba District Council confirmed that the mining operations are illegal. Inspectors also found unsafe excavation methods, poor sanitation, environmental damage and the presence of children working at the site.
The authority has since urged communities involved in mining to obtain the necessary licences and comply with mining, environmental and safety regulations.
