The government has decisively moved to clip the wings of illegal mining operations in West Pokot County by setting up and operationalizing an artisanal mining committee. The committee, which will be chaired by Mr. Gregory Kituku, Director of Mines at the State Department for Mining, will advise on issuance, renewal, and revocation of permits at the county level.
According to Kituku, the committee ought to formalize artisanal mining cooperatives arguing that it was able to provide employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region. The Ministry is so far registered 250 Artisanal Mining Cooperatives countrywide. The number of the 28 Artisanal Mining Committees formed is as of now.
Tipping the growth of the mining sector in the mineral-rich West Pokot County, Kituku said it had introduced minerals movement permits that would move against illegal activities with heavy penalties awaiting those moving minerals without permits. Besides, regional mining laboratories would increase access to mining services, unlike in the past when one had to travel to facilities based in Nairobi.
The Ministry has, in attempts to improve efficiency, increased staffing and posted personnel to counties to accord smooth operations and service delivery. Aerial surveys have been flown for the identification of mineral resources, accompanied by ground assessments to confirm the findings.
On his part, Deputy Governor Robert Komolle appreciated the fact that issuance of mining license had been decentralized at regional levels with the presence of the local directors and artisanal mining committees. Elaborating the role of the committee, he said it was tasked to oversee the mining activities to ensure conformance to regulations that prevent illegal operations.
Mr. Komolle particularly pointed out the financial benefits for the county—royalties from mining activities targeted mainly at developing the community. He thus assured the county government of cooperation with the Ministry in order to maximize revenues subject to adherence to regulations.
Looking forward, Komolle wants seamless coordination of departments and the artisanal mining committee to facilitate seamless licensing procedures and effective monitoring of permit compliance. The intention of the call is to ensure sustainable mining while maximizing its economic benefits for West Pokot County and its people.
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