The County Directorates of Environment and Mineral Resources have prioritized to restore all the sites that have been degraded out of mining activities.

This follows a joint mapping of all degraded sites across the locations where mining is intensively exploited.

The joint venture was conducted to establish the impact of mining activities to the environment.

This was done in Naduat, Nakalale Ward in Turkana North

Despite the notable positive economic impacts of mining activities to the communities, the inspection team noted massive environmental degradation causing erosion, sinkholes, loss of topsoil and the resulting destruction of plant life on the surface of the soil.

The Director for Environment, Clement Nadio encouraged the miners to be in registered groups to enable them undertake Environmental Impact Assessment, a legal requirement which will contain an elaborate restorationw and rehabilitation plan for post mining.

“The County Government has embarked on restoration of degraded sites in Turkana County to ensure land disturbed by mining activities are returned to a beneficial use post-mining”. Stated Director Nadio

Miners were advised to ensure they are operating in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner by backfilling the mining pits once they have exhausted the precious minerals.

The inspection team further identified areas for rehabilitation in Naduat to reduce the risks associated with open abandoned mine pits which are over 3000 sites.

Duncan Kimwele (Deputy Director Mineral Resources), Host of Mining Officers and Environment Inspectors were in the team.