Communities in Malingunde in Traditional Authority Masumbankhunda in Lilongwe are being called on by the Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (Cepa), following a graphite mining operation that may affect the areas.  The residents of these areas will be affected hence Cepa is engaging them on compensation, relocations, environment and cultural norms disruption.

“We are preparing them on how to handle the displacement. The meetings were about gaining an in-depth of their roles, rights and responsibilities in areas of land acquisition in accordance with the law,” Cepa project officer for natural resources and mining Tamara Lon, as she noted that people were unfortunately focused on compensations and ignoring other areas like health.

Environmental Affairs Department principal environmental officer Biswick Mlaviwa, also addressed the residents that it is important for the community to understand the impact of a mining project.

In May, a draft Environmental Social Impact Assessment (Esia) Report showed that the project will generate revenue in the form of taxes and royalties, amounting up to  $150 million (about K110 billion). “The overall level of revenue generated by the project is anticipated to create a noticeable increase to total government revenues. Increased business activity around the project will also provide increased tax revenue to government,” reads the report in part.