Update on the mediation between Kanyika community and Global Metals and Mining Company
Today the 31st August, 2018, mediation of Kanyika mining case has started in Mzuzu high court. In my view, it has started on a good note. All parties to the case were present. These included Kanyika community members, Office of the Attorney General, Global Metals and Mining Company and their lawyers – Savjani and Company and the Ministry of Mines. Church and Society Programme observed all the deliberations. Among other concerns raised by Kanyika Community in their writ of summons, for a start, parties have agreed on a few of them. One such critical issue was that - whosoever had his / her land disturbed during the exploration phase by Global Metals and mining Company needed to have been compensated.
In case some were not compensated, Global Metals and Mining Company need to compensate such households / individuals. Kanyika Community has been asked to compile a list of all such households / individuals who were not compansated. It came out clearly that some households / individual were subjected to exploration activities and did not get any compensation. Parties will meet again on 15th November, 2018 at Mzuzu high court to seal this agreement but also continue to discuss other unresolved issues. One such issues that will be under the discussion is under paragraph 15 in the writ of summons.