State Cracks Down on Illegal Mining in Taita Taveta County, Kenya

The State Department for Mining has ramped up efforts to curb illegal mining in Taita Taveta County, with Director of Mines Gregory Kituku leading an inspection of the region.

The crackdown targets companies operating without valid permits, with two firms Universal Exploration Limited and Apple Mining Group ordered to cease operations immediately.

Speaking at a mining site owned by Universal Exploration Limited, Kituku revealed that the company had resumed illegal iron ore mining despite being suspended a year ago by the Regional Mining Officer.

“The Regional Mining Officer suspended these operations a year ago, but recently they resumed mining and transported minerals to Nairobi without accountability,” Kituku stated.

The government has now enlisted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Wundanyi to track the directors of Universal Exploration Limited and hold them accountable for the illegally mined resources.

“From here, I’ll be making a statement at DCI Wundanyi to initiate legal action against the company’s directors. They will be prosecuted for illegal mining and disposal of minerals without a license,” Kituku affirmed.

The director emphasized that mining without a valid license violates Section 10 of the Mining Act, with penalties outlined in Section 202, which include fines of up to Ksh. 10 million or a two-year prison sentence.Meanwhile, at a separate site owned by Apple Mining Group, authorities uncovered illegal mica mining. Kituku ordered an immediate shutdown, warning that no minerals should be sold until the company complies with licensing requirements.

“This site must remain shut until Apple Mining Group secures the necessary permits. We cannot allow anyone to exploit resources unlawfully,” he declared.

Kituku issued a stern warning to illegal miners, particularly in Kishushe, stressing that all mining activities must comply with legal frameworks.

“In Kishushe and across Taita Taveta, illegal mining will no longer be tolerated. Any mining operation must be properly licensed. Offenders will face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment as prescribed by law,” he warned.

The intensified crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to regulating the mining sector and ensuring accountability in the exploitation of natural resources.