Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has urged artisanal miners in Maccalder mines in Migori County to get proper documentation for their operations.
Speaking during a visit to the Macalder mining site in Migori County on Thursday, the CS noted that there’s a need to ensure that continued reforms are made in the mining sector.
The CS pointed out that his visit was key to ensuring the government has relevant knowledge of the sites when it comes to protecting the interests of those working in the areas.
Mvurya noted that Migori, Homabay, Siaya, Kakamega, and Vihiga are counties which have innovated gold processing while noting the availability of a stable market for gold miners.
“Macalder region also has good potential for copper and gold; we want to enhance value addition and processing of copper,” Mvurya said.
While outlining the two categories for mining, small-scale miners and artisanal miners, he noted that the two have an opportunity for a big investment in copper processing.
“Artisanal miners have already been engaged in the formation of cooperatives, which will allow them to have permits that will qualify them to access capacity-building training,” he noted.
At the same time, CS Mvurya emphasised the gazettement of copper and other minerals as the way to go and added that the government is looking forward to developing and strengthening opportunities in copper investment.
He encouraged women to venture into the mining sector and ensure that they also hold leadership positions in mining, adding that statistics show that a higher percentage of those doing artisanal mining are women.
The CS urged the miners to protect the environment by planting trees and cautioned them against working during heavy rains as a safety measure against mining accidents.
He also warned parents who engage minors in mining activities that they risk prosecution for violating labour laws.
“I have seen young children in the mining site, and I would like to ask parents to keep children out of the mines,” he said.
The CS promised to work closely with the county government, local leaders, and the community to ensure that the potential of the mining site is enhanced and that the mining investment benefits the local community.
By Janemolly Achieng and George Agimba
