Following the increasing reports of illegal mining, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining has been called out to act on the crimes, as the Natural Resources and Climate Change Committee of Parliament has warned the ministry of unspecified action if it fails to police illegal mining and trade of gemstones and other minerals.

In April this year, Police have arrested 15 foreign nationals at Makanjira in Mangochi for mining without a license. The suspects were mining in Namizimu Forest, where locals had reported them to the Police, also accusing them of assaulting the locals. The suspects, though not confirmed, are rumored to be from Mozambique, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Meanwhile, unceasing reports claim that gemstones are currently being mined in the country and being exported illegally through Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania to Far Eastern countries. On the other hand, The Nation newspaper revealed that the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining will soon issue a press statement on the matter.