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Communities around Kangankunde Hills in Balaka District have expressed concern over environmental damage and health risks caused by rare earth exploration by Lindian Mineral Resources, an Australian mining company operating in the area. For many years, the Kangankunde Forest has been a key source of livelihood for locals, providing firewood, traditional medicine, and opportunities for beekeeping. However, residents say mining and road construction have led to forest destruction and heavy dust that threatens their health. “We depend on this forest for our daily needs, but now we are inhaling dust every day. We fear diseases like TB,” said Alena Maseko from Makolera Village in the area of Inkosi Chanthunya. Her concerns were shared during a mining indaba held in Balaka on Tuesday, organised by Action Aid, to discuss social, human rights, and environmental challenges facing communities near mining sites at Kangankunde and Ng’onga, where Portland Cement Limited operates. Responding to the concerns, Kangankunde Site Manager, Daniel Brits, said some of the issues raised have already been addressed, such as supplying water from the mining site to nearby areas to reduce dust. He added that the company is also working on community development initiatives, including education facilities in the area. Charles Finis Phiri, Project Officer for Climate Just Transition for Mining Affected Communities at Action Aid, said the meeting provided a platform for locals to share their challenges directly with government and mining officials. He noted that discussions were productive, and some concerns are already being followed up on. The indaba was attended by traditional leaders and representatives from the Ministry of Mining, Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority, MEPA, CEPA, and the Natural Resources Justice Network. The project is supported by SwedBio through Action Aid South Africa.
