UTM’s Mtumbuka promises revamp of Mchenga and Kaziwiziwi mines in Rumphi
UTM Party presidential running mate, Matthews Mtumbuka, has pledged to revamp the Mchenga and Kaziwiziwi coal mines in Rumphi as part of President Dalitso Kabambe’s broader transformation agenda for Malawi’s mining sector.
He stated that the two mines would benefit from Kabambe’s proposed K500 billion annual investment in mining, with a promise to turn Rumphi and other districts into what he called an “ocean of development” if UTM wins the September 16 elections.
Speaking during a whistle-stop rally in Livingstonia, Mtumbuka said a UTM-led government would invest in coal mines such as Kaziwiziwi, Mchenga, and Rukuru, aiming to double daily coal production from the current 5,000 metric tonnes to meet and exceed the national demand of 10,000 metric tonnes per day.
He criticized the current government for complaining about forex shortages while still importing nearly half of the country’s coal needs from nations like Zimbabwe.
He described the situation as “ironic and unbelievable,” arguing that Malawi should instead be producing a surplus for export to earn foreign currency and strengthen the Kwacha.
Mtumbuka said only UTM has the capacity and capabilities to unlock this massive potential, describing mining as a “low-hanging fruit” that could be quickly leveraged for national development.
He emphasized that the initiative would create pensionable jobs, especially for young people, and help meet the growing local and international demand for coal.
Additionally, Mtumbuka said UTM would offer soft loans to mining companies to acquire modern equipment, facilitate the issuance of exploration licenses for critical minerals, and ensure that mineral-rich districts benefit from shared revenue through improved infrastructure and public services.
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