AG Orders Mining Firms to Comply with Licensing Laws

The Government, through Attorney General Frank Mbeta, has directed mining companies to strictly adhere to licensing requirements governing their operations, warning that non-compliant firms risk closure.

In line with the directive, Rift Valley Resource Developments Limited has applied to upgrade its licence for the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Balaka from medium-scale to large-scale. 

The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) has confirmed receipt of the application. 

The move comes after Members of Parliament recently raised concerns over the scale of the Kangankunde project, questioning how a venture involving significant investment could continue under a medium-scale licence.

The MMRA is scheduled to meet Rift Valley Resource Developments Limited on August 19, 2026, to deliberate on the application. 

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all mining operations comply fully with Malawi’s mining laws and licensing framework.