Government has banned all illegal and unsafe gold mining activities at Nathenje, along the M1 Road in Lilongwe, following serious safety concerns.
In a statement signed by Secretary for Mining, Rodwell S. Mzombe, PhD, the Ministry of Mining, through the Department of Mines, in collaboration with the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA), Lilongwe District Council, Malawi Police Service, and the Roads Authority, has noted with serious concern an influx of informal Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASMs) conducting mining activities on both sides of the M1 tarmac road at Nathenje.
The public has been notified that mining within the M1 road reserve is illegal and dangerous. The road reserve extends 30 meters from the center line on each side, and no person is permitted to dig pits or heap soil within this area.
The ongoing activities along the M1 pose an immediate risk to life. The pits are at risk of collapsing, people are crisscrossing the busy M1 road, and heaps of soil have the potential to obstruct drivers’ visibility.
Authorities say these activities could result in fatal road accidents. Therefore, all informal mining activities at Nathenje, on both sides of the M1 road, are hereby prohibited and must cease immediately.
The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority will conduct inspections and enforce compliance in accordance with the law. Anyone who continues mining within the road reserve after this notice will be liable to enforcement action, including arrest and prosecution.
The Ministry, through the Department of Mines, says it remains committed to supporting Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners through the formalization programme to enable them to mine legally and safely.
The public is therefore urged to comply with the notice, which is dated 13th November, 2026, to protect lives and ensure safety along the busy M1 Road.
