Taita Taveta miners want export ban on uncut gemstones

Gold mining in Migori, Kenya. The government has banned the mining of gemstones in Kuranze, Kwale County, calling it illegal.

What you need to know:

  • The government has constructed the mineral centre in Voi at a cost of Sh100 million.
  • Minerals found in Taita Taveta include Tsavorite, rubi, tourmaline, red garnets, green garnet, Tanzanite and iron ore.
  • There are plans to also launch geo-tourism activities in the county to attract tourists to mining sites.

Miners in Taita Taveta County have urged the government to ban the export of uncut gemstones.

Speaking in Voi, on Tuesday, Mr Gabriel Mcharo, the chairman of Chawia, a community based organisation, said the miners and the government will reap maximum benefits from the resource if the ban is effected.

He also said the ban will boost the country’s economy, especially with the construction of a gemstone centre in Voi Town.

“Right now we are not getting maximum profits from minerals because most miners sell their gemstones to brokers,” he said.

The government has constructed the mineral centre at a cost of Sh100 million to add value to minerals before selling them abroad.

“If the government fails to ban the export of the uncut gemstones then we fear that the gemstone centre might be unutilised,” he said.

In 2015, former Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the government will implement the ban in 2018.

“We now urge the current CS Dan Kazungu to start plans to implement the ban because the government is also losing millions by exporting minerals in raw form,” Mr Mcharo said.

Taita Taveta County is endowed with various minerals including Tsavorite, rubi, tourmaline, red garnets, green garnet, Tanzanite and iron ore.

Although the area is endowed with vast minerals, residents continue to wallow in poverty.

CREATE JOBS

Voi Gemstone Centre Chairman Ben Mwangi said the ban will also create jobs for locals.

“Our youth will be employed to work at the gem centre and mining will also become an income generating opportunity for most locals,” he said.

Mr Mwangi said over 10,000 people will benefit directly or indirectly when the centre becomes operational.

He said they will hold a mineral exhibition to attract buyers from abroad.

He said the exhibition will be an annual event where residents will also be allowed to see the minerals and be advised on how to invest in mining.

“We are happy now because we will now reap what we have been losing over the years,” he said.

Mr Mwangi said many residents shy away from investing in mining because they believe it is not profitable.

“It is sad to see that non-residents are benefiting from mining while locals are not aware how this business can benefit them,” he said.

He said there are plans to also launch geo-tourism activities in the county to attract tourists to mining sites.