Expert queries Ministry’s Retraction of Ban on Exportation of Minerals

Governance and resources expert has said retraction of a statement on the ban of exportation of minerals by ministry of mining raises a lot of questions to Malawians.

The remarks come after the ministry reversed its earlier decision to ban the exportation of all minerals to ensure efficiency and transparency in the process.

But 24 hours later the same ministry retracted the ban saying it has embarked on the process of reviewing the valuation framework of gemstones within 21 days.

In an interview with radio Islam Dr. Joseph Mkandawire, secretary for mining said government has banned the sale of gemstones to sanitize the market so that both the seller and government make profits.

However, in a separate interview with Radio Islam, Governance and Resource expert Cossam Munthali expressed worry with the retraction of the ban to export minerals saying the ministry could have done better explaining to Malawians while they have changed tune on the matter.