The Maravi Post

BLANTYRE—Malawi government, in response to calls to renegotiate the Kayelekera Uranium Mine deal with Paladin Company, says consultations are underway and its position on the matter will be known soon.

Earlier this month, People’s Transformation Party (Petra) gave the government and Paladin, which is mining uranium in northern district of Karonga, 14 days to explain why the deal can’t be renegotiated for the benefit of Malawians.

Party leader Kamuzu Chibambo, an attorney, demanded that government should renegotiate for at least a 40 percent stake and selling rights.

Reacting to the requests, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu said government’s position would be known once consultations on the calls are over.

“Government through the ministry of mines is making consultations to make a sound decision on the matter. Issues to with contracts like that of mining deal require thorough consultations for the betterment of both parties,” said Kunkuyu.

Recently John Bande, minister of mines, also said they will renegotiate the deal and make public the contests of the deal.

He faulted the previous administration of late president Bingu wa Mutharika for sealing the deal with Paladin without disclosing the terms.

Before she assumed power in April last year, Joyce  Banda was critical of the uranium mine deal.
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(c) The Maravi Post 2013

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