January 19, 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Artisanal miners in Naduat’s quarry and gold mines, Turkana North Sub County, face the imminent risk of ban by the County Government for failure to adhere to regulatory requirements.

In a notice issued through the miners’ association chairperson, the County Government outlined the unlicensed use of explosives and banned chemicals, failure to wear safety gear, and child labor as unacceptable practices that violate human safety, the environment, and ethical mining practices.

At a public meeting with the miners at Naduat where the notice was issued, the Director of Mining Stanley Loter stated that the enforcement of rules was paramount since the alleged violators had been warned repeatedly to desist from such actions.

“Senior county government officials have held several meetings with area miners’ representatives to warn them against flouting regulatory requirements. We are shocked that they are still using explosives and banned chemicals,” he said.

Director Loter stressed the importance of wearing safety gear and equipment at all times and urged miners to refrain from child labor, emphasizing the ethical and legal implications.

Miners were also reminded of the obligation to seek approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

“The County Government will not hesitate to take decisive measures against these acts,” Loter affirmed.

Director Loter also called on the general public to report malpractices at mining sites and said that compliance checks will extend to all mining sites in Turkana.

The director was accompanied by John Makada, an energy officer during the exercise.