The government has started preparations for the mining of Sh680 billion worth of gold discovered in Ikolomani.
Mining PS Harry Kimtai met with Kakamega stakeholders on the Shanta Gold exploration project on Monday.
He assured small-scale and artisanal miners the project would not displace them from their businesses.
Kimtai said a technical team, led by Secretary for Mines Thomas Mtwiwa, will begin mapping all small-scale and artisanal miners in Isulu and Bushangala this week. The exercise aims to weed out illegal foreign miners and issue mining licences to natives.
The meeting at Golf Hotel brought together religious leaders, mining co-operative leaders, national and county government officials and journalists. The technical team will be supported by 11 community-nominated members.
“We want to do mapping so that we can sit down with Shanta and ask them to release land currently under their exploration licence that they do not need, allowing small-scale and artisanal miners to coexist,” Kimtai said.
He said miners will be facilitated by the ministry to comply with the law and regulatory framework within 90 days after receiving their licences.
“You will not operate without licences this year,” he stressed.
The mapping exercise also seeks to identify foreign miners engaged in illegal gold mining and trade.
Applicants for licences will be required to submit key documents, including title deeds and KRA Pin numbers, to ensure compliance.
Kimtai said the community and other stakeholders will have 42 days to review the Gazette Notice of the intended issuance of a mining licence to Shanta and provide input before the licence is granted.
The PS confirmed the investor will pay Sh20.4 billion in royalties, calculated at three per cent over eight years.
Of this, the national government will receive Sh14 billion, the county government Sh4 billion, and the community Sh2 billion.
The community will also benefit from Sh6.8 billion under Community Development Agreements (CDA).
Stakeholders said foreign miners had spread misinformation and incited residents against the investor to maintain control over the mining business.
They expressed support for the project, saying those opposing it were not residents but outsiders seeking personal gain.
Kimtai said the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has taken over the proposed project, warning cartels and brokers that their profiteering through misinformation is over.
The next step will involve valuing the land earmarked for the project. Kimtai said no one will be forced off their land without consent and institutions affected by the project will be rebuilt by the investor. Civic education on the mining project will also be conducted by the ministry.
by HILTON OTENYO
