The piece “Mining gurus mourn Chapomba” featured below was initially published in Malawi’s Mining Review Issue Number 15 2014 that was circulated in August 2014.
To learn more about this quarterly publication, edited by Marcel Chimwala, read the post about the “Voice of the mineral sector in Malawi”.
The late Chapomba, taken from the Mining Review back page (Issue No. 15, August 2014, Marcel Chimwala)
Mining gurus mourn Chapomba
Captains in the mining industry have expressed shock over the death of the former President of the Gemstones Association of Malawi, Charles Chapomba, who passed away on June 30.
Principal Secretary for Mining at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Dr. Leonard Kalindekafe described the death of Chapomba, who was ran down by a vehicle in Blantyre, as a big loss not only to the mining sector but to the nation as a whole.
It is so sad to lose such a knowledgeable, skilled and experienced man in gemology. May his soul rest in eternal peace
said Kalindekafe.
According to Public Relations Officer for Mining at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Wesley Undi, Chapomba’s death came after he had recently participated at the last Trade Fair in Blantyre where he displayed gemstones at the Ministry’s stand.
Other notable mining personalities who expressed sorrow over the demise of the late Chapomba included former Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Grain Malunga, Mota-Engil Mining Manager Antonio Viera, Mchenga Coal Mines MD Rafik Gaffar and local consulting geologist John Nkhoma.
Said Nkhoma:
I knew Charles from the ’70’s when I was at secondary school, Mzimba and he was with a team of gemstone prospectors in Mzimba when they found a good aquamarine (anabeula!) and it was news to us all not knowing that I will interact with him many years later when I became a Geologist.
He gave very good and constructive advice which I found very helpful as a geologist. He was very dedicated as shown from his many adventures into the countryside where most geologists have never dared to visit!
Mining Review Editor Marcel Chimwala, who interviewed late Chapomba for an article that was featured in the maiden edition of Mining Review published in August 2009, commented that Malawi has lost a man who gallantly fought for the plight of the small-scale miners.
He had a dream which was to see small-scale miners in the country using advanced equipment and securing better markets for their products
said Chimwala, who is also a correspondent for Creamer Media’s Mining Weekly and Engineering News.
The late Chapomba was laid to rest on July 1.
