Villagers Raise Health Concerns Over Kangankunde Mining
Villagers around Kangankunde Hill in Balaka, Malawi, have expressed fears of possible health risks from dust emitted along the road leading to the mining site.
The Australian Stock Exchange-listed firm, Lindian Resources Limited, is exploring rare earth minerals at the site. The communities are concerned that the dust, if not controlled, may expose them to respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis.
One of the concerned villagers, Allena Maseko from Makolora Village, raised the concerns during a mining dialogue organised by ActionAid Malawi.
The meeting focused on health, human rights, and environmental issues surrounding the Kangankunde and Ng’onga mining sites. The Ng’onga mining site is operated by Portland Cement Limited.
Key concerns include:
- Health risks from dust emission
- Possible exposure to respiratory diseases
- Environmental issues surrounding the mining sites
Author's summary: Villagers fear health risks from mining dust.