Govt cracks whip on coal mining company

The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) has halted mining activities at Coal and Minerals Group (CMG) in Karonga due to environmental and safety issues.

This decision comes after a joint inspection at the site located in Traditional Authority Kilupula, which revealed that coal waste was being released into the Changwina and Kasantha rivers, breaching environmental protection regulations.

In a letter dated April 14, 2026, MMRA director general Mphatso Chikoti indicated that the company also neglected to keep essential operational documents, such as a Mining Operations Plan, Mine Waste Management Plan, and a Rehabilitation and Closure Plan.

The suspension, which took effect on April 8, will remain until CMG ceases the discharge of untreated waste, establishes approved waste storage facilities, enhances safety protocols, and submits all necessary plans.

MMRA has cautioned that non-compliance constitutes a criminal offense, which could result in fines of up to K30 million, additional daily penalties, and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.