By Wendy Mkandawire
Mining expert Paul Mvula has asked the government to make the mining licensing process faster and easier for local communities, saying the current system is pushing people into illegal mining.
Mvula made the remarks in an interview following a meeting held by the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) in Karonga District on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The meeting focused on the effects of illegal mining and the procedures for obtaining small-scale mining licenses
Mvula said that telling people to stop illegal mining without addressing the root causes is missing the point.
He urged the government to understand why communities engage in illegal mining and to provide support instead.
According to Mvula, many Malawians who want to join the formal mining sector safely are frustrated by a process that is too cumbersome and slow.
He said communities have complained that acquiring a license takes too long, forcing applicants to travel all the way to Lilongwe for information and processing.
” It is unfortunate that by the time approval comes through, people have already lost time and resources.” He added.
Mvula called on the government to decentralize the process and reduce bureaucracy so that locals can access licenses quickly and operate legally.
The MMRA meeting in Karonga was aimed at sensitizing communities on the dangers of illegal mining and guiding them on how to apply for small-scale mining licences.
