TI-UP Enquiry: the gemstone sector in Malawi

The Malawi Government aims to promote and support small-scale mining in areas of import substitution and value-adding services

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2007
Country:
Malawi
Document Type:
Country Report
Theme:
Climate and Environment, Economic Growth
Authors:
Paling, S.

Abstract

The mining sector in Malawi is very small and contributes only 3 per cent to GDP. Several mineral deposits exist in Malawi which can be mined on a small scale. The Malawi Government has embarked on an economic empowerment programme aimed at promoting and supporting small-scale mining in areas of import substitution and value-adding services. These programmes include gemstone cutting and polishing. Gemstone mining in Malawi, the problems associated with mining (environmental degradation, seasonality of mining operations, low prices for gemstones, lack of grading and processing capacity, and conflict between miners and villagers), and legislation, are described.

This resource was produced by TI-UP – a DFID-funded resource centre for technology, infrastructure and urban planning, managed by IMC Worldwide Ltd.

Citation

Paling, S. TI-UP Enquiry: the gemstone sector in Malawi. TI-UP Resource Centre, London, UK (2007) 6 pp.

Published 1 January 2007
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