CS Joho orders crackdown on illegal mining of strategic minerals

Mining Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Joho has ordered a crackdown down on illegal mining of strategic minerals.

In a statement dated September 14, Joho said that the Ministry has noticed some individuals exploiting copper, coltan and chromite some of the gazetted 14 strategic minerals.

The others include Cobalt, Graphite, Lithum, Nickel, Niobium, Tantalum, Thorium, Tsavorite, Tin Rare Earth and Uranium.

Joho stated that any activities related to these minerals including prospecting, mining, trading, or processing must be conducted either by or in partnership with the National Mining Corporation(NAMICO).

He reiterated that his ministry will not cower from enforcing the law and protecting Kenya’s mineral resources, warning that those found contriving the mining act will be prosecuted accordingly.

The declaration was made under the provisions of the Mining Act 2016, and the Mining (Strategic Minerals) Regulations 2017, which emphasize the regulation of minerals of national importance.

These laws aim to ensure that Kenya’s mineral wealth is responsibly managed and generates maximum benefit for the nation.