Revoke mining firm licence, House says

Parliament has recommended that the licence of a mining company be revoked for illegally prospecting for gold.

MPs on Wednesday approved a report which says that the Migori-based company, which is associated with a former PS has not met the requirements for an exclusive mining licence.

The report by the Lands and Natural Resources committee of Parliament was approved without debate after the committee chairman Mutava Musyimi moved it.

It accuses Mid-Migori Mining Company of exploring for gold and other minerals in Nyatike for over 20 years without any signs of completing the exercise yet “they were licensed only to undertake exploration of gold.”

“Despite Mid-Migori Mining Company Limited being in Migori, Kuria West and Nyatike for about 30 years, it’s intriguing to note, that there are no results to show, they have not raised or voiced any challenges or grievances or complaints but appear to be undertaking mining activities beyond prospecting,” the report says.

MPs also recommended that the government revoke one of the two special prospecting licences and investigate reports of fraudulent acquisition of title deeds by the company.

In 2002, Kansai Mining Corporation of Canada acquired Mid Migori Mining . A share purchase agreement dated March 1, 2002 shows that the shareholders of Migori Mining Company Limited are – Eugene Joseph Charnel, James Stanley Mathenge, Achates Services Limited and Achates Trust Limited.