Ministry of Mining (Kenya)
| Wizara ya Madini | |
 Logo of the Ministry of Mining | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | March 4, 2013 |
| Preceding agency |
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| Headquarters | Kenya Works Building, Ngong Road P.O. Box 30009, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya[1] |
| Annual budget | KSh. 2 billion |
| Agency executives |
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| Website | mining.go.ke |
The Ministry of Mining of the Republic of Kenya is a Kenyan government ministry that oversees the Mineral sector in the country.
Kenya has a variety of mineral deposits and exploration projects. Some of the minerals found in Kenya include; soda ash, limestone, fluorspar, gemstones and even gold[2].
The Ministry of mining was established as an independent ministry after the 2013 general elections. The government recognized that the mining industry in Kenya has the potential to spur the countriy's economic growth. Prior to the ministry's establishment all mining related activities in Kenya were overseen by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Najib Balala a jubilee government principle was then appointed as the first Cabinet Secretary to head the newly formed ministry.
History
The ministry has been pursuing changes in the mining sector. In 2013, the ministry revoked 31 mining licenses for minerals ranging from base and precious metals, industrial minerals, non-precious minerals and gemstones.[3] As of 2015 the number rose to 65. The ministry claimed that the contracts were issued under unclear circumstances.[4]
In the time between January and May 2013, out of all 500 mining licenses issued, only 20 were found credible. Revocation of the 65 licenses by the Ministry of Mining in 2015 opened up 4.5 million acres of land to new explorers.[4]
See also
References
- ^ a b "About the Ministry of Mining, Kenya". Ministry of Mining. Archived from the original on 14 November 2015. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
- ^ "Mining in Kenya – Kenya Chamber of Mines". Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ Balala revokes 31 mining licences. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
- ^ a b Balala revokes licences of 65 mining companies. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
