The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, through the Mines Department in collaboration with the PMPU undertook sensitization and enforcement against illegal mining operations in the BUSIA area. The activity aimed to assess compliance with the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022 and to monitor the scale and nature of operations in the area as well as to enforce against illegal mining.
The team led by Ms. Agnes Alaba, Commissioner, Mines Department, inspected among others operations of ASMs at Tiira Landlords and Artisanal Miners Association.
These operators originally held Location Licences as artisanal miners but have since expanded their activities to a medium-scale level, with an investment capital exceeding the upper limit for a Small-Scale Mining Licence, which they had initially applied to convert to.
On observation, the operators were advised to instead apply for a Medium Scale Mining Licence as required by the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022. It was further noted that the association has a partner of Chinese nationality, strengthening its investment and operational capacity beyond the artisanal and small-scale threshold.
Other inspected included Location Licence LL1670, held by Tiira Small Scale Miners’ Association, whose operations have caused serious environmental degradations and team observed dangerous electricity connections to these Illegal mining sites. The miners were directed to backfill and restore environment within 3months.
Additionally, the team found active mining and mineral processing taking place within Exploration Licenses by locals. The mining operations were halted, and miners were cautioned. They were advised to apply for a mining license.
Related illegal medium-scale gold processing plant operated by Sudanese nationals was closed and the culprits were remanded at the police.
