Experts explore iron ore deposits in Busia
A resident of Funyula Busia County points at a stone which is believed to have iron ore. Experts have said that soil samples from Funyula and Budalang’i are being examined to determine whether there are substantial iron ore deposits. Residents are hopeful that if found in large quantities, the iron ore will help improve their livelihoods. PHOTO/WANDERA OJAJI
What you need to know:
- County executive member in charge of Water and Natural Resources Bernard Yaite, said that if found, the mineral would change the county’s fortunes.
- He said iron ore is a very important mineral in industrialization and if found it will help improve the region’s economy and create employment for the youth.
- He also revealed that areas within Teso region such as Amukura and Machakus could be holding a lot of limestone deposits and granite used in the construction industry.
A team of experts from the Ministry of Mining is examining soil samples collected from Funyula and Budalang’i constituencies in Busia County to establish the possible availability of iron ore.
The county executive member in charge of Water and Natural Resources Bernard Yaite, said that if found, the mineral would change the county’s fortunes.
“The possibility of the region having iron ore will be known once we receive the report from the national government,” Mr Yaite told journalists in Busia town Thursday.
“We hope the report will be positive because these are areas that have been identified as having great potential for the mineral,” he added.
He said iron ore is a very important mineral in industrialization and if found it will help improve the region’s economy and create employment for the youth.
EMPOWER LOCALS
“The mineral will empower locals economically and help address high poverty levels in the region which stand at 68 per cent,” he said.
He also revealed that areas within Teso region such as Amukura and Machakus could be holding a lot of limestone deposits and granite used in the construction industry.
He said they are partnering with the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology to come up with machines that will help locals to exploit the stones
“Most women break the stones using hammers but machines can enhance their activities and help them crush 10 tonnes of stones a day,” he said.
WELCOMED IDEA
Locals and leaders have welcomed the idea saying the minerals if found would be a relief to them as it will create employment and help reduce poverty levels.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, however, appealed to investors interested in opening up cement factories to consider investing in the county which he noted had a lot of limestone deposits.
He expressed optimism that the industry will be able to create employment opportunities for hundreds of youths in the area who despite going to school have remained jobless.
