By Pemphero Mpho Musowa
Lotus Africa Limited (LAL) which handles Kayelekera Mine has agreed to share 0.45 of its annual gross sales to a Community Development Agreement (CDA).
The CDA will help local communities within a 20-kilometer radius from Kayelekera Mine through infrastructure development, employment opportunities besides various social services.
The CDA will also promote active participation in decision making processes related to mining activities and ensuring their concerns are addressed.
The company signed the agreement with communities through a steering committee which includes those from Karonga and Chitipa.
Theo Keyter, General Manager for Kayelekera Mine pointed out the company aims to ensure the livelihoods of where the company will be conducting uranium mining operations are improved.
Keyter explained the committee will have the mandate to oversee the funding and implementation of community-identified projects through Area and Village Development committees.
Joseph Chirwa, Regional Mining Engineer for the north in the Ministry of Mining said local communities will get direct benefits from mining activities near them as the CDA agreement guarantees this.
