MPs question Lindian’s mining compliance

Future of a major mining project has come under scrutiny after lawmakers raised concerns over whether the company is meeting key requirements before moving forward.

The Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Climate Change says Lindian Resources has not provided some documents requested by the Ministry of Mining.

Presenting the committee’s report in Parliament on Monday, Chairperson Khadija Leah Chunga said the documents are critical in determining whether the Kangankunde Rare Earth Mine in Balaka should continue operating under its current mining licence or be reclassified.

Chunga told Parliament that committee members were surprised when company representatives failed to give satisfactory answers on why the documents had not been submitted and appeared unaware that the deadline set by the ministry had already expired.

“For a project of such national importance, it was clearly inadequate,” Chunga said. “The committee has therefore strongly recommended that the ministry must now enforce compliance, including where necessary through verification, suspension or even revocation of the licence.”

The committee noted that the Kangankunde project has grown significantly since it was first licensed, making it essential for regulators to determine whether it now qualifies as a large-scale mining operation under the Mines and Minerals Act, 2023.

Members of the committee have since called on the Ministry of Mining and the Malawi Mining Regulatory Authority to take firm action to ensure Lindian complies with all legal and regulatory requirements before the project advances further.