- Artisanal Miners in Kenya are set to receive permission to take their mining explorations inside national parks
- This historic move hinges on the successful completion of a framework by the State Department of Mining, headlined by Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi
- The completion of the framework will mark a significant milestone in artisanal miners’ decades-long efforts of petitioning the state to be allowed to exploit precious stones in mineral-rich national parks
Artisanal Miners in Kenya are poised for an epoch-making advancement as the government puts the finishing touches on a groundbreaking operational blueprint.
This blueprint will greenlight controlled entry for mining operations within national parks, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s mining landscape.
Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, revealed that a handpicked team of experts is fine-tuning the framework, gearing up for public engagement before it takes effect.
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This milestone initiative, part of a sweeping reform agenda, aims to empower artisanal miners, ushering in a new era of economic vitality and job creation.
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David Zowe, Head of Taita-Taveta Artisanal Miners’ Association, hailed the imminent shift, highlighting the perilous risks miners face when venturing into protected areas like Tsavo National Park.
By greenlighting controlled access, he believes the government can ensure safer mining practices while unlocking the untapped potential of Kenya’s mineral-rich reserves.
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While concerns persist over the environmental impact of mining in national parks, proponents argue for a balanced approach, emphasizing the potential for rehabilitation of barren areas through sustainable mining practices.
Zowe underscored the transformative impact mining could have on local communities, offering a lifeline of economic opportunity and fostering positive attitudes towards conservation efforts.
The framework addresses critical aspects such as zoning for mining activities, access protocols, and post-mining restoration measures.
Notably, the government’s insistence on formalizing artisanal mining through cooperative societies reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, with over 200 such cooperatives already established nationwide.
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The impending rollout of this framework signals a seismic shift in Kenya’s mining sector, offering a regulated pathway for miners to operate within protected areas while promoting environmental stewardship and inclusive development.
