MMRA Urges Small-Scale Miners to Form Cooperatives for Licensing

KARONGA, Malawi — The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) has urged small-scale artisanal miners across Malawi to form cooperatives to ease access to mining licences and help curb illegal gold mining, writes Lusekero Chifwafwa Mhango.

The authority made the call Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, during a sensitization meeting on the formation of cooperatives for gold mining with members of the Karonga District Environmental Sub-Committee (DESC).

The meeting comes amid a reported surge in illegal gold mining activities in Karonga District.

MMRA Senior Inspection and Enforcement Officer Maxwell Kudzala said obtaining a mining licence would allow artisanal miners to operate legally while complying with government regulations, environmental requirements and safety standards.

“Forming cooperatives is key because it will make it easier for small-scale artisanal miners to obtain licences and operate legally, which is critical in the fight against illegal mining,” Kudzala said.

He said most illegal mining activities are carried out by individuals, making the formation of cooperatives an important step toward formalising and regulating the sector.

Kudzala added that cooperatives would also make it easier for the authority to monitor mining operations and ensure compliance with environmental and safety requirements.

Karonga District Council Director of Economic Planning and Development Davies Kavalo said the council was committed to working with MMRA and other stakeholders to promote responsible mining practices and ensure communities benefit from mineral resources.

“Acquiring licences will enable miners to operate openly, access better markets, increase their earnings and improve their livelihoods and the welfare of their families, while the council will also benefit through revenue collection,” Kavalo said.

Lusungu Kumwenda Mangochi, representing the Karonga Civil Society Organizations Network, said formalising small-scale mining could help reduce illegal activities and protect communities from associated social and environmental risks.

She said illegal mining often contributes to environmental degradation and other social challenges, making it important for miners to operate within the law.

MMRA was established under the Mines and Minerals Act No. 25 of 2023, which came into force in June 2024, to regulate Malawi’s mining sector and promote the sustainable development and utilisation of mineral resources.

The authority is now encouraging artisanal miners to move from informal individual operations toward organised cooperatives as part of efforts to strengthen regulation, improve livelihoods and promote responsible mining.