Kisumu: The government has officially granted Shanta Mining Company Kenya the license to embark on large-scale gold extraction in the Ramula-Mwibona belt, which spans Siaya and Vihiga counties. According to Kenya News Agency, this development is anticipated to unlock one of Kenya's most significant mineral discoveries in recent years, with Shanta Gold Company poised to extract over 300,000 ounces of gold from the area. The State Department for Mining's Principal Secretary, Harry Kimtai, communicated that the license, authorized through the Mineral Rights Board and endorsed by the Cabinet Secretary, permits Shanta to initiate preparations for mining, with actual extraction projected to commence by June 2026. Kimtai also mentioned that another application by Shanta for Kakamega County is in its final stages of public participation and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) processes. Addressing stakeholders in Kisumu, Kimtai highlighted the approval as a pivotal step towards establishing western Ke nya as a significant mining hub, akin to the titanium fields in Kwale. He emphasized the importance of national and county institutions working collaboratively to create an investor-friendly environment while maintaining transparency and regulation in community dealings. To facilitate the project, Kimtai announced the formation of Joint County Project Implementation Committees, co-led by county commissioners and CECs for natural resources from both counties. These committees will integrate various regulatory agencies and lead community engagement throughout the project's duration, alongside a national-level project committee. Kimtai addressed concerns over compensation for families displaced by mining activities, warning against speculative land purchasing by opportunistic middlemen. He assured that compensation for land, crops, and property would adhere to Kenya's mining, land, and environmental laws, with community leaders involved at every stage. Shanta will be accompanied by government officers in all e ngagements to ensure clarity and fairness. On environmental protection, Kimtai stated that companies must set aside funds for land rehabilitation, depositing an environmental protection bond with NEMA. This bond will be used to restore the land if a company fails to meet its obligations at closure. Newly formed committees will monitor Shanta's operations quarterly to ensure compliance with sustainable mining practices. Additionally, a Post-Mining Land Use Committee will be established to verify that all restoration requirements are met before releasing the bond back to the company. The project is expected to significantly contribute to Kenya's plans to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund, with mining royalties as a key financing source. According to the Mining Act, royalties will be divided among the national government (70%), county governments (20%), and local communities (10%). Residents will also receive 1% of gross sales through a Community Development Agreement committee, with funds managed independent ly. Kimtai cited the revenue potential for Siaya and Vihiga, referencing Kwale County's anticipated Sh1.16 billion in royalties. The company aims to begin full operations by June 2026, with government agencies expediting approvals and coordinating local community engagements. Shanta Mining Company, which also operates in Tanzania, becomes only the second large-scale mining firm licensed in Kenya in the past decade. Kimtai affirmed that the project aligns with President William Ruto's broader industrialization agenda to expand natural resource revenues and advance Kenya toward high-income status. Jiten Diwecha, General Manager of Shanta Mining Company, assured adherence to national laws, environmental safeguards, and international mining standards. Diwecha stated that ongoing exploration has identified an estimated 300,000 ounces of gold, valued at approximately $4,100 per ounce, though continued drilling is expected to increase this estimate. Diwecha noted that Shanta has secured mining consent from about 75% of the 1,000 households within the project area, and that valuation and socio-economic assessments for compensation are underway. The process will follow government guidelines and be overseen by committees formed by Kimtai to ensure fairness, transparency, and individualized disclosure for affected families. He emphasized that the Ramula-Mwibona project will be an open-pit mine, with all mitigation measures included in the Environmental and Social Impact Report. Diwecha highlighted Shanta's commitment to responsible mining and minimizing environmental disruption, drawing on the company's safety and compliance track record from its operations in Tanzania.