PS Mining Hosts Kenya Chambers of Mines Chair
The Principal Secretary Mining Elijah Mwangi hosted Kenya Chambers of Mines Chairperson Dr. Patrick Kanyoro to deliberate on critical issues in the mining sector especially the exploitation of Strategic Minerals.
In October 3rd 2023, the government declared 14-minerals as strategic. These are radio actives (Uranium, Thorium), Cobalt, Tantalum, Lithium, Coltan, Niobium, Copper, Nikel, Graphite, Tin, Tsavorite, Chromite and Rare earth. These minerals are critical for Kenya’s Green Energy Transition.
National Mining Corporation is mandated by law to oversee the sustainable exploitation of strategic minerals. However, miners interested in mining those minerals can apply for licenses which will be considered in case-to-cases basis.
The State Department for Mining is finalizing the preparation of guidelines that will provide a framework for exploitation of these minerals. These guidelines will be shared with stakeholders before the end of the month.
Mining stakeholders should be assured that State department’s unequivocal commitment to institute meaningful and impactful reforms in this sector remains firmly on course.
Kenya Chambers of Mines is a key stakeholder in this sector. The Chamber’s full support for the reforms in the sector to enhance efficiency in operations, improve on value addition and bring profitability to actors in the sector is a valuable asset.
The determination to transform the sector is unwavering. With decriminalizing of the artisanal mining, the formation of close to 200 marketing cooperatives and establishment of an artisanal mining committee in the counties, the long-awaited new dawn for miners is upon us.
Post Author
