By Jenipher Masiye

Minister of Mining, Monica Chiyang’anamuno has launched the occupational Safety and Health Standards for the mining sector aimed at promoting mining safety, health as well as combating other occupational hazards.

Speaking during the launch and the dissemination ceremony in Lilongwe on Thursday, Chiyang’anamuno said the launch of the standards will complement efforts to combat Tuberculosis in the mining sector by minimizing dust exposure, injuries and fatalities and promoting better living conditions.

Chiyang’anamuno said, the development of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards by the Ministry, together with the Malawi Bureau of Standards complements government’s efforts to promote the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining Strategy aimed at developing the country.

Project Coordinator for the Southern Africa Tuberculosis and Health Systems Support Project (SATBHSSP) Dr. James Mpunga called for the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) saying people in the mining communities are at risk of developing tuberculosis (TB).

As part of the project in 2022, the Ministry of Mining collaborated with the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) to develop Occupational Safety and Health Standards for mining sector as prescribed in the draft Mining Safety and Health Regulations.