Residents protest closure of gold mining site in Rarieda

The Government has ordered for the closure of gold mining site in Ramba in Rarieda sub-county, sparking protests from local miners.

State Department of Mining, Nyanza Regional Mining Officer Ben Bera ordered the mine closed, citing illegal mining operations.

In a letter dated September 19, 2024, Mr Bera ordered immediate cessation of all illegal mining activities at San Martin Gold Mining site.

"You are informed that the mining activities at San Martin Gold mine site have not complied with the provisions under the Mining Act cap 306," read the order.

The officer warned that failure to comply with the lawful order is an offence under section 205(1)(b) of the Mining Act 306.

Local miners, however, protested the move by the ministry, saying closing the mine would affect the region's economy.

Hundreds of miners on Monday held demonstrations along the Ndori -Ramba highway opposing the move, saying it is going to affect livelihoods of locals.

Mohamed Amollo, a miner from Lumba village said artisanal mining has helped them and government directive to close it is going to render thousands of people jobless.

"Artisinal mining has employed so many people directly and indirectly. Crime rate is likely to go up in the area if the site is closed," said Amollo,who appealed to the government to listen to the people.

Another resident, Linet Mukamba, said the women and children will be the most affected by the action.

"We have many widows and orphans who depend on artisinal mining to eke a living. We are therefore appealing to the government to reconsider the decision," she said.

George Owade, a member of the Artisinal Miners Cooperative opposed the order to close the mining site.

"I have been doing artisinal mining for many years and we will not allow some selfish individuals to deny us our source of living," said Owade.

He appealed to the government to provide the miners with modern equipment instead of closing the sites, claiming that the government was favouring foreign investors.