By Edwin Mauluka

Malawi’s mining regulator has shut down Coal and Minerals Group (CMG) operations in Karonga after inspectors found river pollution, unsafe mining practices and major regulatory breaches.

In a letter dated April 14, 2026, signed by MMRA Director General Mphatso Chikoti, the authority said the directive follows a joint inspection conducted on April 5, 2026, involving MMRA, the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA), and the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA).

“The inspection established significant environmental and safety concerns associated with the current mining operations,” said Chikoti.

According to the findings, the inspection revealed water contamination caused by coal-related waste being discharged into the Changwina and Kasantha rivers, in violation of Section 268(2)(a), which requires the protection of water and the environment as a condition of a mineral tenement.

“Runoff from mining pits and stockpiles into natural water bodies also violates Section 268(2)(b), which requires operators to minimise the impact of mining on surrounding communities and environments,” Chikoti added.

The inspection further found that CMG had poorly designed tailings storage facilities, breaching its obligation to maintain an approved waste management system under Section 162.

Additionally, the company was found to be operating without key statutory plans, including a Mining Operations Plan (Section 157), a Mine Waste Management Plan (Section 162), and a Rehabilitation and Mine Closure Plan (Section 263). These are mandatory requirements for medium-scale mining licence holders.

MMRA also cited “poor mining practices,” including unstable pit slopes and lack of benching, which pose serious health and safety risks under Section 28(5).

“All mining operations under Medium-Scale Mining Licence No. MML0337/25 are hereby immediately suspended with effect from April 8, 2026. This Emergency Suspension Order is issued because the Authority is convinced that the health and safety of the public and the environment are seriously threatened,” the authority said.

The suspension will remain in force until all conditions are met. MMRA warned that failure to comply constitutes a criminal offence, attracting fines of up to K30 million, additional daily penalties, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Earlier this week, MMRA also issued a 30-day compliance notice to all non-compliant mineral licence holders, directing them to meet all regulatory requirements. This includes settling outstanding fees, ground rent, and royalties, as well as submitting all overdue statutory reports.

The notice follows the completion of a nationwide Mineral Licence Compliance Audit covering the period from 2020 to 2025.

“The audit has revealed widespread non-compliance across the sector, including non-payment of ground rent and mineral royalties, failure to submit statutory reports, and the holding of inactive or dormant licences,” Chikoti said in a statement.

MMRA warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period will result in licence cancellations in line with the Mines and Minerals Act, 2023. It also reminded holders of expired, revoked, or cancelled licences that all outstanding fees and royalties remain due, as these obligations constitute a public debt recoverable by the Authority.

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