Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) conducted training on mining for customs officers, specifically on how the officials can detect minerals that pass through the country’s borders.

 MRA head of corporate affairs Steve Kapoloma attributed the training to the fact that gold and other minerals are smuggled out of the country; hence, the training to help tax collectors to put a stop to the malpractice. “We believe that this training, which focuses on detection to allow MRA officials to know what exactly gets out of this country in the form of minerals, will help us detect gold and other minerals and act accordingly.” Kapoloma said.

The mining industry is amidst tightening security measures and other improvements. Last month, the Minister of Mining, Rashid Gaffar, said the government will start revoking mining licences from companies that have stayed idle for five years or more. Gaffar outlined that people buy a site endowed with mineral resources, leave it idle and be selling it when Malawians are not benefiting from such. “I cannot disclose the cut-off point but we are reviewing all licences and those that have been idle for so long, we will revoke their licences,” said the minister.