Nagetei, 14th October 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Turkana County government has ordered the immediate suspension of gold mining operations near Nagetei Girls Secondary School due to concerns over environmental compliance and public safety.

The Directorate of Mining issued the shutdown directive on Monday, led by Acting Director for Mineral Resources, Elim Areman, following numerous complaints from the local community.

This comes after the directorate, responsible for enforcing regulatory compliance, found that the mining operator had failed to complete the required licensing processes, including engaging the community on the proposed establishment of the leaching plant.

“We found the mining setup to be very close to the school, posing a serious threat to the local environment. This situation is unacceptable, and the operator has been ordered to cease operations immediately,” Areman stated.

Earlier inspections by county officials revealed widespread non-compliance with environmental protection laws. The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Turkana County to regulate artisanal mining and promote sustainable practices within the sector.

The directive aligns with a recent national initiative to revoke all existing mining licenses in an effort to combat illegal mining and ensure environmental standards are met. The county’s decisive action serves as a warning to other operators to adhere to established regulations or face similar consequences.

Nagetei, one of Turkana’s key gold-mining regions, boasts a variety of precious stones, a resource-rich area that holds economic potential for both the county and the country. However, a recent survey by the State Department of Mining highlights a disconnect between the substantial mineral deposits in Turkana and the benefits reaching local communities.

The report attributes the disparity to widespread illegal mining, which has led to financial exploitation and environmental degradation, calling for stricter enforcement of mining regulations to protect the community’s interests.

The Ag. The director was also accompanied by Mining officers Micklam Eregae and Ronald Kerebur.