EPA bans unauthorised fabrication, importation, use of ‘Chanfan’ machines

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a directive prohibiting the fabrication, importation, and use of Chanfan machines without prior authorisation, citing serious environmental damage caused by their use in illegal mining operations.

In a statement on Wednesday (29th October), the EPA said it had observed that the fabrication of Chanfan machines—commonly used in small-scale mining—was being undertaken without the necessary environmental permits, in contravention of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504).

According to the Authority, while the production and sale of such machines may provide livelihoods for some individuals, their use in river-based mining has led to devastating environmental consequences.

“Their use in mining operations within rivers has caused severe environmental destruction, including pollution of water bodies, siltation of riverbeds, and loss of aquatic biodiversity,” the statement noted.

Citing its powers under sections 3(2)(b) and 35 of Act 1124, the EPA said it was acting in line with its mandate to regulate, protect, and coordinate all matters relating to the environment and public health.

“With immediate effect, the fabrication, importation, and use of Chanfan machines without an EPA permit are prohibited. Any workshops or shops found producing or selling these machines will be shut down, and all existing equipment will be seized and dismantled,” the Authority declared.

The EPA further directed that “all individuals, workshops, and establishments involved in the fabrication, importation, sale, or distribution of Chanfan machines must cease operations immediately.”

In addition, the Authority issued a stern warning to persons and companies engaged in mining within water bodies to stop such illegal activities at once. “These actions are serious violations of national environmental and mining regulations,” it cautioned.

The EPA announced that it would collaborate with security agencies to ensure full enforcement of the directive through monitoring, seizure, and prosecution where necessary.