Minister of Mining Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma has revealed that his ministry is actively working towards finalizing the Mining Development Agreement (MDA) with the Australian mining company Lindian Resources Limited, aiming to commence mining operations at Kangankunde in Balaka district.

Speaking in Lilongwe after a meeting with Lindian representatives, Ng’oma stated that expediting the signing of the MDA would allow the investor to begin work before September this year.

“We are committed to hastening the signing of the MDA so that mining activities can kick off by September.

This initiative will enable the country to reap benefits from the mining sector, including job creation for local communities in Balaka district.” said the Minister.

On his part, Lindian’s country manager, Trevor Hiwa, said that the company has made significant progress in constructing the access road.

Hiwa expressed confidence that discussions with the Malawi government regarding the MDA would advance, as it is crucial for the company’s operations to commence.

The rare earth deposit at Kangankunde is valued at approximately US$ 1 billion for its initial mining phase and has the potential to establish itself as a leading producer of rare earth elements.

The Association of Catholic Chiefs at Likuni Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has been called upon to play a key role in promoting environmental conservation in their communities.

The appeal was made at Parish during a tree-planting exercise organized by the Congregation of Teresian Sisters.

Sister Teresa Mulenga, Project Coordinator for environmental projects, emphasized the importance of involving chiefs in environmental conservation initiatives.

“Chiefs are well-positioned to drive environmental conservation efforts, given their close relationship with their subjects. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills, we hope to ensure continuity of the program and promote sustainable environmental practices in our communities.”

Likuni Parish Priest, Father Damiano Chitha, commended the Teresian Sisters for their initiative, saying it would have a significant impact on environmental conservation in the area.

“We appreciate the Teresian Sisters for organizing this initiative at our Parish. As a Parish, we are committed to working with the chiefs to ensure the trees planted are well taken care of,” said Fr. Chitha.

Chairperson of the Chiefs Association at Likuni Parish, Senior Group Mtanga, echoed Sister Mulenga’s sentiments and promised that the chiefs will take a leading role in educating their subjects on the importance of environmental conservation.

“We will use the knowledge shared with us to promote environmental conservation in our areas,” he said.

The initiative aims to empower chiefs to promote environmental conservation in their areas, ensuring a positive impact on the environment and promoting sustainable development.

By Titus Jata Phiri

An agricultural expert, Kingdom Kwapata has described the minimum farm-gate prices set by the Ministry of Agriculture as not a true reflection of the reality on the ground.

The government has released the prices where among others maize will be sold at 1050 kwacha per kilogram.

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According to Kwapata, the prices will start rising in due course considering that the country is undergoing a recession period.

“We are not expecting to have a lot of maize this year because of quarries among other reasons, farmers did not access fertilizer as you know fertilizer was expensive and this combined with the poor rains will cause the scarcity of the commodity leading to increase in prices,” Kwapata explained in an interview.

Kwapata added that “we are projecting that probably within due course the real price of maize will be reflected.”

The expert has however urged farmers who can manage to withhold their commodity for sometime to do so, so that they can sell it at a higher price in the future.

“It is just unfortunate that many farmers at the moment don’t have money or resources and therefore they are desperate for access to resources. That is why they are compelled to sell at that price, but believe you me, very soon the commodity will escalate,” he explained.

Some farmers in the country have been faced with draught problems that are likely to reduce their harvest this year.

Ministry of Health has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality deaths across the country.

Speaking on Monday, 07th April 2025, during the press briefing at Bwaila Hospital on commemoration of World Health Day, minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda emphasized the need for enhanced efforts to address maternal and newborns health issues, despite having limited healthcare facilities in almost every hospital in the country.

Chiponda also added that this year’s world health day aims at reducing preventable maternal deaths and improve overall maternal and newborn health and ensuring that no woman or baby should lose life due to maternal issues as one way of meeting Malawi 2063 Agenda.

” We are very glad that since the start of this year-to-date Bwaila hospital has never registered any maternal death and we want this to be a whole year thing and we’re also in the process of discussing with the private sectors to start providing transport to women in labor as we do not have enough ambulance as a country” chiponda said.

In her remarks Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, World Health organization country representative, said that their organization aims at ensuring that women have access to quality delivery service all over the world.

Kimambo said that “Malawi is one of the countries with high rate of teenage pregnancy that also add to the complications that occur during labor time therefore it is our mandate to make sure that every woman have access to high quality delivery service in order to promote the mother and child health across the world.”

This year’s World Health Day has been commemorated under the theme “Health begging’s, Hopeful future” and also today makes the 77 years of the World Health organization in service all over the world.

By Tiyamike Paul Chisale

In Mchinji District. Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapondo, the Carmelite Missionaries Sisters from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Kapiri), are transforming lives through their Eco Women project. This initiative focuses on merging environmental conservation with women’s empowerment, offering skills and hope to rural communities in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

Since its launch, the Eco Women project has helped women combat deforestation, soil erosion, and others while fostering economic independence. Women learn tree planting, organic farming, pig farming, and waste management. Additionally, literacy classes teach reading, writing, and numeracy—skills many participants never had before.

Starting with literacy, women advance to vocational training in tailoring, embroidery, and sewing. These skills have sparked micro-enterprises like tailoring business and cooperatives. “We don’t just teach—we walk with them until they can stand on their own,” said Sister Modester Nkhata, the project director.

Group Village Head Bauti praised the program’s success, noting improved incomes, restored lands, and different developments in his area. “Women now run tree nurseries and vegetable farms, bringing dignity and resilience to their communities”

The journey hasn’t been without barriers. Cultural taboos, such as husbands fearing women’s gatherings, still limit participation. The sisters address this through community dialogues, gradually winning support. “When fathers see their children benefiting, mindsets change,” Sister Modester explained.

The Eco Women project has become a lifeline for participants, enabling them to support their families and communities. “I now earn enough to pay my daughter’s school fees,” shared a proud tailor. Around her, seedlings awaited planting—symbols of a greener, more equitable future.

As Sister Modester aptly put it, “When you empower a woman, you nourish a family, protect the Earth, and transform a nation.”

By Titus Jata Phiri