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In a move to reform and invigorate the mining sector, the government has commissioned County Artisanal Mining Committees (AMCs) across several counties. Led by PS Mining Elijah Mwangi and senior officials from the State Department for Mining, the commissioning aims to promote long-term sustainability and profitability for all stakeholders, including artisanal miners.
The recent commissioning ceremony covered Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Laikipia counties. During the event, PS Mining Elijah Mwangi called upon AMC members to champion compliance and growth in the mining sector at the county level. He emphasized the vital role of the committees in approving, renewing, or rejecting applications for mining operations by artisanal miners.
To ensure effective implementation of their roles, AMC members underwent extensive training on their mandate and responsibilities. This training equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enforce compliance and strengthen the mining sector within their respective counties.
The commissioning of AMCs for the Central Cluster at Nyeri marks the second batch of committees to be established, following the recent commissioning of AMCs for Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, and Garissa Counties. This phased approach highlights the government’s commitment to methodically reforming the mining sector across different regions.
In addition to their regulatory role, the committees will also play a crucial role in supporting the empowerment of artisanal miners. They will streamline the issuance of licenses and support the formation and growth of artisanal miners’ marketing cooperatives.
During the commissioning ceremony, members of the AMCs were formally appointed and issued with letters of appointment. These letters serve as a testament to their roles and responsibilities, formalizing their commitment to revitalizing the mining sector in their respective counties.
The establishment of AMCs and the government’s holistic approach to reforming the mining sector demonstrate a concerted effort to involve local communities, ensure compliance, and support the growth and empowerment of artisanal miners. With these initiatives in place, the government aims to create a thriving and sustainable mining sector that benefits all stakeholders.
