Chinese Company Suspended for Vihiga Illegal Gold Mining
Chinese Company Suspended for Vihiga Illegal Gold Mining
An alleged unlicensed gold miner in Vihiga County is a Chinese firm whose operations have been suspended by the government.
Mining CS Salim Mvurya testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources that Kitigu Resources and Mining Company officials had been detained . Being accused of engaging in illicit mining operations at the Kichutu area in the Izava/Lyadunywa Ward of Vihiga.
Mvurya said that the business was operating covertly. Depriving the government of tax money from the mining activities in the region. Which is thought to contain gold resources.
Mvurya claimed that his Ministry’s research led to the conclusion that the company lacks a permit.
In a letter to Kitigu Resources’ management, the Ministry informed them of a violation of the mining code . As a result gave them the go-ahead to stop mining in the region. According to Section 10 of the 2016 Mining Act, no one is allowed to explore for. No one is allowed to mine . No seek for mineral resources or tailings in Kenya . Unless they have been given a licence or license.
I hereby certify that Kitigu Resources and Mining Company is operating illegally and without a permit or license to mine gold in Vihiga.
According to the CS, illicit miners disguise themselves as artisanal miners to avoid paying taxes. Mvurya acknowledged that efforts are being made to formalize artisanal mining operations through the granting of permits.
The Ministry has increased its surveillance efforts, and its regional mining officers have been given strict orders, which they are presently following, to issue closure notices to all illicit mining and dealership operations across the nation, continued CS. The senators had expressed concerns about the existence of many unlawfully functioning mining enterprises in the counties of Vihiga and Taita Taveta.
Senator Johnes Mwaruma claims that the only company with a license to mine in the Kishushe Area is M/S Wanjala Mining Company Limited. M/S Samruddha Resources Kenya Limited runs the mine.
According to him, “this Ministry is helping all artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in the County and elsewhere form marketing cooperatives in preparation for licensing” in the meantime.
The Senators asked the CS to give the local businesses enough equipment as well. Claiming that the artisanal miners lacked the tools and technological know-how to compete with multinational businesses.
