Mining CS Mvurya orders immediate closure of unlicensed mines

The Ministry of Mining has ordered the immediate closure of all unlicensed mines.

Speaking at the Athi River National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) during the launch of Artisanal Miners Cooperatives, the Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya claimed many unscrupulous local and international investors have been operating without mining licenses contrary to the law.

Mineral deposits

The CS said the Ministry has been able to identify at least 960 different deposits of minerals countrywide and at least one million Kenyans working in mining sites and quarries.

 “It has come to our attention that there are so many illegal mining centres and we are keen to streamline the sector. We will deploy our officers to identify and profile the mining centres to ensure none operates without a license. The move will also be key in ensuring the mines operate within non-risky areas that do not expose Kenyans to health hazards. The licensing will also facilitate monitoring of how the mines operate and curb insecurity and loss of lives that occur due to negligence and lack of safety measures,” he said.

 Mvurya said the ministry has formed County Mining Committees to issue licenses to investors at the county level.