Migori – Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, has urged artisanal miners in the Maccalder mines of Migori County to formalize their mining operations by obtaining the necessary documentation. During his visit to the Macalder mining site on Thursday, Mvurya emphasized the importance of ongoing reforms in the mining sector, particularly in terms of protecting the interests of those working in these areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, the visit aimed to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the site’s operations to better safeguard the workers’ interests. He highlighted Migori, along with Homabay, Siaya, Kakamega, and Vihiga counties, as regions that have made significant progress in gold processing and have access to stable markets for gold miners. Mvurya also recognized the potential for copper and gold mining in the Macalder region and expressed a desire to improve the value addition and processing of copper.
The Cabinet Secretary pointed out that small-scale and artisanal miners have substantial investment opportunities in copper processing. He noted the ongoing efforts to organize artisanal miners into cooperatives, enabling them to obtain permits and access capacity-building training. Mvurya emphasized the government’s focus on the development and strengthening of copper investment opportunities and the gazettement of copper and other minerals.
Mvurya also encouraged women’s participation in the mining sector, advocating for their inclusion in leadership roles. He acknowledged that a significant percentage of those engaged in artisanal mining are women. In addition to these efforts, the Cabinet Secretary advised miners to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as tree planting, and cautioned against mining during heavy rains to prevent accidents. He warned parents against involving minors in mining activities, highlighting the legal consequences of violating labor laws.
Concluding his visit, Mvurya promised collaboration with the county government, local leaders, and the community to maximize the potential of the mining site and ensure that local communities benefit from mining investments.