Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya has promised to work closely with the county government, local leaders, and the communities in Kitui to ensure that the potential of the mining sites is enhanced and that the mining investments benefit the local community.
Speaking in Kitui in company of the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development Peninah Malonza when they paid a courtesy call at Governor Malombe’s office, Mvurya said Kitui has strategic mineral deposits with untapped potential.
“The ministry is focusing on 15 counties which were identified to have significant deposits of minerals to ascertain their existence. Kitui is one of them “. He said.Â
Mvurya said mineral value addition and processing will be vital in the creation of jobs and boosting revenue streams noting that Kitui was found to have deposits of copper, Iron and graphite minerals.
He further urged miners to form cooperatives so as to benefit from government programs.
“The county in collaboration with the national government ministry of mining has gazetted artisanal mining committee headed by the Chief Officer which shall be responsible in advising the Cabinet Secretary in issuing artisanal mining permits in Kitui”. He added.
Mvurya revealed the ministry’s plan to establish a minerals testing and certification laboratory in the county as a commitment towards exploring the multi million mining venture.
According to the CS, a report on mineral resources in the country has identified about 970 mineral occurrences that will be subjected to a fact-finding process.
CS Malonza, on her part said the national government is keen to ensuring that counties benefit from their resources.
“We are looking forward to working together since most areas with minerals are ASALs”. She stated.
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