...[T]here has been an unprecedented increase in the number of foreign companies looking to invest in the mining sector. However, in a country where mining sector regulations are woefully inadequate...it is important to adopt approaches which ensure that the benefits of mining are maximized and that its adverse community-level impacts are minimized...[T]his paper critically examines how the rapid increase in mining activities in Malawi is affecting local livelihoods. In doing so, the paper explores how civil society has influenced the development of the corporate social responsibility strategies of incoming companies and how well the needs of communities are being met. Given the inadequacies of mining regulations, greater participation from civil society actors and the communities themselves in decisions pertaining to mine development is a key to effective community development in emerging mineral economies such as Malawi. [refers to Paladin Energy, Nyala Mines]