CS Joho suspends operations for Tata Chemicals Magadi Mining over non-compliance

In a communiqué on Wednesday, CS Joho said that the company has failed to meet a myriad of key compliance issues and has not complied with regulations under the Mining Act, Cap. 306.

He cited that the Ministry has attempted to hold engagements with the company for years, but it has remained non-compliant.

"Despite these engagements, several critical compliance issues remain unresolved including lack of a clear mineral beneficiation/value addition strategy, outstanding royalty reconciliation and payment obligations, insufficient export reporting and reconciliation, poor implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDA), inadequate employment and skills transfer plan for Kenyan citizens, weak procurement of local goods and services, and environmental compliance shortfalls," read the statement in part.

Tata Chemicals has therefore been ordered to halt its operations until it complies with the Mining Act and all necessary regulations.

They have been directed to submit documentation and evidence demonstrating full compliance with all the obligations and address any outstanding liabilities before resuming operations.

CS Joho has maintained that the Ministry is focused on ensuring that Kenya's mineral resources are exploited responsibly to deliver economic value to the country while protecting the interests of communities.

Tata Chemicals has been producing natural soda ash at Lake Magadi since 1911, with annual shipments exceeding 350,000 tons to markets in Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and other nations.