The Mozambican government has renewed its call for tighter supervision and more responsible mining practices as authorities confront persistent environmental, safety and social problems in regions such as Lupilichi in Niassa province. The assurance was delivered recently in Maputo by the Secretary of State for Mines, Jorge Daúdo, at the opening of a seminar dedicated to mining operations in the area.
Daúdo said a recent monitoring mission to Lupilichi revealed serious concerns raised by local leaders, whose displacement he described as a clear indication of the severity of the situation. The mission found repeated breaches of environmental rules and conflicts between operators, though it also identified companies that were meeting their legal and social responsibilities.
He noted that the positive examples showed that responsible mining was achievable and could influence broader industry behaviour. “The government’s goal is not to restrict business activity but to create conditions in which companies, authorities and communities could work in a climate of trust,” stressed Daudo.
The seminar highlighted the need for practical measures to resolve disputes, curb illicit trade, strengthen law enforcement, combat smuggling and improve coordination between central, provincial and local government structures. Daúdo noted responsible mining must serve as a foundation for both economic and social development, insisting that communities living near mining sites should be the first to benefit through better infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, telecommunications and banking services.
He acknowledged that some companies were already supporting social projects, such as road rehabilitation and hospital construction but said these efforts remained scattered and poorly coordinated. He urged greater cooperation across the sector, arguing that the success of mining activity depended on shared responsibility and a unified approach.
Daúdo concluded that the reforms discussed in Maputo must rest on three principles: legality, sustainability and inclusion. He said the meeting offered an opportunity to set out concrete recommendations to help Lupilichi and other mining regions become models of responsible extraction.
