The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has directed that all individuals, workshops, and establishments involved in the fabrication, importation, sale, or distribution of Chanfan machines must cease operations with immediate effect. 

In a press release, the EPA revealed that the fabrication of Chanfan machines is undertaken without the required permits or environmental authorisation from the EPA, contrary to Act 1124 and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504).

“Any workshops or shops found producing or selling these machines will be shut down, and all existing equipment will be seized and dismantled, the statement said. 

The Authority also warned individuals, groups, and companies engaged in mining within water bodies to stop such illegal activities immediately.

“While the fabrication and sale of these machines may have provided a source of livelihood for some individuals, their use in mining operations within rivers has caused severe environmental destruction, including the pollution of water bodies, siltation of riverbeds, and loss of aquatic biodiversity”, the statement added.

EPA enforcement operations, in collaboration with security agencies, adding it will ensure full compliance with the directive through monitoring, seizure, and prosecution where necessary