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SUSTAINABILITY

Built where we operate, not from a distance

Our aim is to responsibly explore and develop Malawi's mineral resources in a way that delivers lasting value to the nation, its people, and the communities in which we operate.

 

We are committed to conducting our work to the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical practice, ensuring that the benefits of our activities extend far beyond the boundaries of our project sites.

Cadell with Chilwa workers

ESG is our operational compass

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE

Where sustainability defines our long-term vision, ESG provides the framework for delivering on that vision in a measurable and accountable way.


ESG focuses on “how” we implement our commitments, through structured systems, clear metrics, and strong governance processes. It allows us to track performance, manage risks, and demonstrate transparency across key areas of impact. 


We embed ESG principles into our day-to-day operations, corporate decision-making, and risk management practices to ensure we are continuously improving our outcomes for the environment, society, and ethical business conduct.

Enhancing workplace safety & employee wellbeing

We are consistently striving to enhance safety performance through various controls that eliminate and mitigate residual risks.

Supporting a green transition

Exploring critical minerals which are essential for technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and energy storage. We aim to determine the economic viability of a potential mining project, which can, in turn, support the global green transition.

Protecting & conserving the environment

Minimising our environmental footprint, preserving biodiversity, and implementing best practices to safeguard ecosystems for future generations.

Creating long-term benefits for people

By supporting local communities through our social contributing programme, providing local employment opportunities and investments in training and skills development.

Engaging with our stakeholders

Actively engaging openly with our key stakeholders and take proper account of what we learn from such dialogues in our business decisions.

SOCIAL

We prioritise our workforce & communities

At Chilwa Minerals, we prioritise the well-being, safety, and ethical development of our workforce and communities. 


Through our strong commitment to zero harm, ethical business practices, and continuous training, we are building a workplace that is safe, inclusive, and accountable.

Central to our intention is a deep commitment to the people of Malawi. We aim to add meaningful value to the country by investing in its greatest asset — its people. Through structured training programmes, mentorship, and on-the-job development, we will upskill our workforce and create clear pathways for career progression within the company. We believe that Malawians should not only participate in their nation's mining industry, but lead it, and we are dedicated to building the technical, professional, and leadership capabilities that will make this possible.

Chilwa Team

Health, safety & wellbeing

Committed to achieving Zero Harm, ensuring the safety of every employee, contractor, and visitor, with no work-related fatalities recorded.
 

Successfully maintained zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI) since project inception, demonstrating our commitment to a safe working environment.

Training & ethical conduct

Since the start of our structured training programmes, we have strengthened workforce awareness and accountability through:

 

  • Health & Safety Inductions – Over 60 employees and contractors have received health and safety training.

  • Anti-Bribery & Business Ethics – 60 employees have undergone training to reinforce ethical business practices.

  • Prevention of Sexual Exploitation & Abuse (PSEA) – 27 employees and contractors have been trained to recognize and prevent misconduct in the workplace.

Diversity & inclusion

Committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, we promote equal opportunity and respect for all employees and contractors regardless of gender, background, or nationality.

 

Our workforce comprises local community members, reflecting our commitment to local employment and economic empowerment.

 

We continue to strengthen inclusive workplace practices through policies that support fair treatment, equal access to opportunities, and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

COMMUNITIES

We believe in leaving a positive legacy

At Chilwa Minerals, we believe in leaving a positive legacy by creating economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for our host communities.

Through meaningful engagement and targeted initiatives, we strive to ensure that our presence brings lasting benefits.

We are proud to support development of a centre of excellence in Zomba, working in partnership with local institutions to facilitate world-class training opportunities in geology, mining, and related disciplines. By creating skilled employment within our own operations and stimulating demand in adjacent service industries, we hope to anchor a hub of expertise that will benefit the region for generations to come.

Community Hall Traditional Dance

Local employment

Approximately 87% of our workforce is Malawian, with 41% hired directly from communities impacted by our operations.

Rehabilitation of existing infrastructure

Aided in the successful rehabilitation of two access road bridges in the Mposa deposit area, improving connectivity and accessibility for local residents.

Educational support

We have provided essential school supplies to six primary schools in Mposa, ensuring students have the resources they need to learn and thrive. Further we commit to continuing with such donations to one school from each Group Village Head where our project activities are conducted.

Landowner support & food security

As part of our ongoing commitment to food security, the project has supported 1,187 people in the project area through land access provided via donations. This support is equivalent to one bag of maize meal per landowner, representing a total investment of approximately USD 34,000.

Ongoing community engagement

Successfully conducted over 50 stakeholder meetings within local communities to discuss initiatives, provide training, and address concerns, ensuring transparency and collaboration.

ENVIRONMENT

We recognise the sensitivity of the environment

We recognise the sensitivity of the environment in which we operate, particularly Lake Chilwa and its surrounding ecosystems. 


We are committed to operate outside the lakes buffer, minimising our impact, preserving biodiversity, and restoring disturbed areas, ensuring that our operations align with best environmental practices.

Malawi Landscape

Mitigate, preserve & restore

Actively reduce our exploration impact while enhancing the surrounding environment.


We maintain strict environmental controls to prevent significant impacts.

Waste management & compliance

A comprehensive waste management programme is in place, and we have onboarded a nationally accredited contractor to ensure responsible disposal and recycling.

Biodiversity & rehabilitation

We successfully rehabilitated all 1,187 disturbed areas, meeting the satisfaction of key stakeholders and demonstrating our commitment to land restoration.

Water management & permitting

The project was granted a Water Abstraction Permit by the Malawi National Water Resources Authority, ensuring responsible water usage and conservation.

ESG endorsement & best practices

Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies and procedures are endorsed both corporately and at the project site, reinforcing our responsible approach to mining.

STUDIES TO DATE

Issued with a positive environmental approval

The Project was subjected to a Project brief and an “Environmental and Social Management Plan” (ESMP) in 2022 which was submitted to the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) for consideration. 


The Project was issued with a positive environmental approval.

Biannual progress reports are compiled and submitted to MEPA to ensure compliance with the condition of the environmental approval.

In 2023 and 2024 the Company conducted a set of supplementary environmental and social studies to align our operations with all applicable national and international standards.

Malawi Landscape
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