The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Stakeholders in the mining sector express their endorsement for anticipated reforms, while also seeking a grace period before the eventual implementation of regulations governing the mining of strategic minerals to mitigate potential disruptions to livelihoods.
Dr. Patrick Kanyoro, Chair of the Kenya Chamber of Mines, conveyed the industry’s support for government-driven reforms in the mining sector. However, he emphasized the concerns and uncertainties harbored by stakeholders dealing with strategic minerals regarding the future of their operations.
Dr. Kanyoro urged the government to provide a grace period for dealers of strategic minerals to facilitate a smooth transition and minimize disruptive effects on the livelihoods of thousands dependent on mining.
This request follows the government’s decision in October of the previous year to classify 14 minerals, including copper, niobium, chromite, lead, graphite, and rare earths, as strategic. This classification aligns with the government’s shift toward economic revival through the adoption and utilization of green energy.
Consequently, any dealings with these strategic minerals now require approval from the National Mining Corporation (NMC), the government’s mining investment arm.
The government assured dealers that the development of regulations and guidelines governing the future mining of strategic minerals is almost complete.
Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi mentioned that the Mining Act 2016 and Strategic Mineral regulations 2017 empower the Cabinet Secretary for Mining to issue codes and guidelines for the mining of strategic minerals. The regulations address challenges such as the lack of a value addition center for strategic minerals in Kenya and financial and technical capacity issues at NMC.
Mwangi called for patience from dealers of strategic minerals as the department finalizes the regulations. He highlighted that the reforms aim to streamline the mining ecosystem, improve efficiency, promote the well-being of artisanal miners, and increase mineral profitability.
The department has developed an artisanal mining strategy, allowing Minerals Rights Boards to allocate exclusive zones for artisanal miners. Mwangi noted the government’s commitment to creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and formalizing artisanal mining through initiatives such as decriminalizing operations and forming marketing cooperatives and Artisanal Mining Committees in counties.
