Ministry threatens to take over iron ore mine
What you need to know:
- Speaking in Voi on Sunday, he said the ministry recognises Kishushe Cooperative as the lawful landowner of the mine.
- He said several investors had been forced to stop their operations in the county because of wrangles between them and the community.
The Ministry of Mining has warned that it will take over the mining of iron ore in Kishushe, should Wanjala Mining Company and Kishushe Cooperative Society fail to end their wrangles.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu said the company should seek consent from the cooperative society.
Speaking in Voi on Sunday, he said the ministry recognises Kishushe Cooperative as the lawful landowner of the mine. The cooperative acquired the title deed for the land last August.
“Mineral resources belong to the national government,” said Mr Kazungu. “As a ministry, we will not allow wrangles to continue depriving residents the benefits of these resources.”
The CS said the dispute had stalled development in the country at large.
“This is denying the national and county governments revenue worth billions of shillings,” he said. “It is unacceptable.”
Mr Kazungu said it was unfortunate that, despite the huge mineral deposits in the region, residents languished in abject poverty.
He said several investors had been forced to stop their operations in the county because of wrangles between them and the community.
The CS revealed that, during his four-day tour in the county, he resolved 13 disputes. He said many had agreed to withdraw their cases from court after reaching and agreement.
Some lawsuits had overstayed in the courts, Mr Kazungu said and urged the groups to find a solution to such cases for the country to benefit from the mining sector.
“Some cases have been in the courts for over 25 years with no signs of coming to an end,” Mr Kazungu said.
