In an exclusive interview during Critical Minerals Africa 2024 Forum last week, Chang’anamuno highlighted how the Authority is streamlining mining rights acquisitions and strengthening the sector’s role in Malawi's Agriculture, Tourism and Mining Strategy aimed at driving economic growth.

“We have established the board, appointed the Director, and set up operational offices for the mining regulator,” stated Chang’anamuno, adding “Key projects like Kangankunde Rare Earths, Kanyika Niobium, Songwe Hill Rare Earths and Kasiya Rutile-Graphite are progressing owing to regulatory clarity and market stability.”

She said operations of the regulator are paving way for the rollout of new infrastructure aimed at exploiting existing and creating new opportunities in the mining sector.

“We are confident the regulations we are enacting will enable the sector to provide economic growth breakthrough for us and the generation of extra revenue which drive community development and the beneficiation of the local people from critical minerals exploitation,” said Chang’anamuno.

Malawi is prioritizing energy infrastructure upgrades, including solar power projects and partnerships with independent power producers, to ensure a reliable energy supply for the mining sector, according to the Minister.

“We are exploring regional interconnections and discussing surplus power-sharing arrangements with Mozambique,” she added.

She emphasized that the Authority will align Malawi’s regulatory framework with that of established critical mineral producers in the region to ensure cooperation on knowledge and infrastructure sharing.