MUST, through the Centre for Sustainable Mining and Minerals, on September 10, 2026, engaged Department of Geological Surveys. 

The meeting in Zomba focused on a project that aims to strengthen Malawi’s critical minerals sector.

Held to introduce the “Advancing Malawi’s Critical Minerals Strategy through Data, Value Addition and Energy Systems Planning” project to the Department of Geological Surveys, the meeting also explored how the department can contribute to its implementation.

The project is important as the country seeks to better understand, manage and benefit from its mineral resources.

It focuses on use of reliable data, value addition and energy planning to support sustainable mining and ensure that Malawi gains greater economic and social benefits from its critical minerals.

The MUST team was led by Executive Dean for Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, Associate Professor Chikondi Chisenga and Project Coordinator and Head of Department of Earth Sciences, Emmanuel Chinkaka.

Speaking during the meeting, Chinkaka introduced the project and highlighted its importance to Malawi’s mining and minerals sector. 

He said stronger collaboration among key institutions is essential for developing a mining sector that is informed by data, supports value addition and contributes to national development.

The engagement also highlighted the role of the Centre for Sustainable Mining and Minerals in building capacity in the mining sector. 

Through the Centre, MUST has established a Master’s programme in Mining and Minerals Governance, which is aimed at developing professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to support responsible and sustainable management of Malawi’s mineral resources.

Director of Department of Geological Surveys, Stanley Nyama, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step for the mining and minerals sector.

 “This is a good direction. Let’s implement it,” said Nyama.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with both institutions agreeing to strengthen their collaboration and work towards the development of an MOU.

The partnership is expected to bring together expertise, data and knowledge from both institutions to support better decision-making, value addition and sustainable development of Malawi’s critical minerals sector.

As Malawi continues to explore opportunities in critical minerals, initiatives such as this are expected to play an important role in ensuring that the country’s mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to economic growth, skills development and national development.