West pokot: The State Department for Mining has dispatched a geological survey team to West Pokot County to assess the extent of gold mineralisation in Kambi Karai, Pokot Central sub-county, following the discovery of deposits in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, Enock Kipseba, Secretary for Geological Survey in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, stated that the team will conduct detailed exploration to determine the scale and nature of the deposits. Speaking during a public meeting at Sangak Primary School, where he introduced the team, Kipseba noted that the discovery has spurred increased artisanal mining, prompting the government to intervene with scientific research. He explained that the experts will employ techniques such as soil sampling and drilling to generate a comprehensive report on mineral content and distribution.
Kipseba elaborated that the drilling operations will be undertaken by the geological experts on the ground, aiming to produce a detailed report on the mineralization pattern. He mentioned that the initial phase of the survey will take at least a month, though the timeline may be extended depending on workload. He emphasized that mineral exploration is a long-term process but assured residents that efficient methods will be used to expedite results. He added that the study will not only trace the source of alluvial gold but will also assess the presence of other minerals to ensure broad exploration. 'The final report will be made accessible to the public through the National Geo-Data Centre and will be available for download on the official website,' Kipseba disclosed.
Pokot Central Acting Deputy County Commissioner Richard Omoyo praised the community for cooperating with investors but cautioned against illegal mining on public utilities such as schools, road reserves, rivers, and power line corridors. 'Violators will face legal consequences for breaching the Mining Act,' Omoyo warned. He also urged investors to conduct proper due diligence when acquiring land to avoid disputes and cases of double-selling.
County Mining Officer Brian Bundi reminded miners that the law requires rehabilitation of mining sites before shifting operations. He encouraged artisanal miners to form cooperatives to help regularize and support small-scale mining, warning that action will be taken against those involved in illegal practices.