Artisanal and small-scale miners in Migori County have expressed strong support for the recent gazettement of the Migori Artisan Mining Committee (AMC), which is now authorized to issue mining licenses.
The committee, hailed by miners, is seen as a crucial step toward resolving long-standing challenges in the local mining sector.
Support for Reforms in Migori’s Mining Sector
Speaking after a consultative meeting with leaders from mining cooperative SACCOs, the National Chairperson of the Artisan and Small Scaler Miners Association of Kenya (ASMAK), Dan Omondi, welcomed the move.
He highlighted that the AMC will play a key role in addressing issues such as smuggling and illegal mining, which have plagued the county’s mining industry.
Migori County is rich in valuable minerals, including gold and copper.
The creation of the committee is expected to support ongoing reforms aimed at regulating and improving the mining industry in the region.
Strengthening Collaboration for Sustainable Mining
Omondi emphasized that the gazettement of Artisanal Mining Committees across the country represents a significant long-term strategy.
He pointed out that it will enhance inter-governmental collaboration in the mining sector, allowing for more streamlined decision-making processes.
The AMC includes members from various sectors, including representatives from both county and national governments, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Department of Mining, artisanal miners, and security agencies.
This diverse membership will provide essential guidance to the Director of Mines on matters such as granting, renewing, and revoking mining permits.
Omondi called on the national government to expedite the delineation of areas designated for artisanal mining before the issuance of licenses begins.
Opposition to New County Levies
Despite the positive developments, Omondi voiced concerns over the proposed Migori County Finance Bill, which seeks to introduce new taxes and levies on artisanal and small-scale miners.
He argued that miners are already paying mining fees to the national government, and additional county levies would amount to double taxation.
“We are in total disagreement with the proposed County Finance Bill. The introduction of extra taxes will place an unnecessary burden on miners,” Omondi remarked.
County Government Commits to Supporting Miners
Migori County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Tourism, and Cooperatives, Betty Samburu, praised the miners for organizing themselves into SACCOs to advocate for their collective interests.
She assured miners that the county government is dedicated to improving the mining sector to benefit both miners and local revenue generation.
Samburu emphasized that the gazettement of the AMC will help miners operate in a more organized and lawful manner.
She also pledged the county’s support in addressing governance and leadership challenges within mining cooperatives.
Access to Funds for Miners
In addition, Samburu disclosed that the Department of Cooperatives will work to ensure miners can access county funds to bolster their operations.
This financial support will enhance the productivity of small-scale miners and contribute to the county’s overall economic growth.
The establishment of the Migori Artisan Mining Committee is seen as a significant step toward formalizing and promoting sustainable mining practices in the county.
IAN BYRON