Lodwar- June 19, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)– In a bid to promote sustainable livelihoods and safer mining practices, the County Department of Mining has commenced a distribution exercise targeting to equip artisanal miners with working tools and gears for better undertaking of mining activities.

Through the initiative, 10 registered cooperatives, groups, and individual miners will receive 450 metallic pans, 17 generators, 8 demolition hammers, 120 headlamp torches and 5,000-liter water tanks. 

County Executive Committee Member for Natural Resources, Mining, Energy and Climate Change Dr Anthony Apalia led the issuance of the first bunch of the tools to the targeted artisanal miners at the department’s HQ.

Speaking during the exercise, Dr Apalia said the intervention was part of the County Government’s broader effort to formalize and support the artisanal mining sector.

“We recognize the role artisanal miners play in our local economy. Equipping them with proper tools not only improves productivity but also ensures safety and better environmental practices,” said Apalia.

Chief Officer for Mining, Triza Amoni, emphasized that the support is aligned with the county’s commitment to empowering local communities economically.

“This equipment reflects our resolve to make artisanal mining more efficient and sustainable. It also aims to reduce the burden on miners who often rely on crude tools,” said Amoni.

One of the beneficiaries, Mary Lokwale, a miner from Lolupe, expressed her appreciation for the support.

“This generator and headlamp will greatly improve our working conditions, especially when mining during the early morning hours. We feel seen and supported by the government,” she said.

The handover was attended by the Director of Mining Merimug Eloto Nickson, Deputy Director of Mining Elim Areman, Mining Officer Niclam Eregae, and officials from administration.