BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Mulanje District Commissioner David Gondwe has accepted Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), Friends of Mulanje, Tourism Association of Mount Mulanje (TAMM), Tour Guides and Porters’ Association call up meeting to assess concerns raised on Akatswiri Mineral Resources’ extraction activities at Chambe Plateau in Mulanje Mountain.

DC Gondwe call up meeting comes barely days after CDEDI and others pressed hard on Akatswiri Mineral’ activities without involving communities.

CDEDI and other concerned groups want Akatswiri mining licence be removed for illegal extraction activities at Chambe Plateau.

But in his response letter dated December 20, 2023, DC Gondwe calls for inclusive stakeholders meeting slated for December 28 at his chambers.

“Reference is made to the above captioned subject contained in your letter dated 18 December, 2023 in which you are seeking an emergency all inclusive stakeholders meeting to discuss concerns relating to mineral exploration by Akatswin Mineral Resources at Chambe Plateau in Mulanje Mountain

“I wish to communicate that the request to convene an all-inclusive stakeholder meeting is well noted however take note that the Council is arranging to have this meeting take place on 28 December 2023 at Mulanje District Council Chamber and a formal invitation will be communicated soon, ” reads DC Gondwe’s letter in part.

On Tuesday, CDEDI executive Director Sylvester Namiwa observed that Akaswiri Mining Company’s misconduct is unacceptable in conserving natural resources such as Mulanje Mountain.

“CDEDI is hereby informing the people of Mulanje District, and the nation at large, that we have engaged Mulanje District Commissioner (DC) Mr. David Gondwe and demanded an immediate withdrawal of Akaswiri Mining Company from Mulanje Mountain, and urgently call for all-inclusive stakeholders meeting to discuss matters of mining in this mountain before the situation gets out of hand.

“We have embarked on this course having received information that various stakeholders are seething with rage in total disbelief that Akaswiri Mining Company has descended on the Chambe Plateau and is carrying out mining-related activities without engaging the communities who are key stakeholders to this national, continental and world pride”, says Namiwa.

Ministry of mines is yet to respond on the matter also.