As efforts to combat illicit mining in Kenya gather pace, the government has put on notice cement manufacturers in Kenya over engaging in practices that promote the vice by censoring cement-manufacturers against procuring processing ingredients from unlicensed sources.
The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho faulted some cement processing companies for abetting the operations of illegal miners by purchasing critical ingredients in cement-making from the unauthorized dealers.
The CS pointed out that by continually buying such minerals from illegal sources, the firms were directly encouraging the continued illegal exploitation of Kenya’s minerals by unscrupulous miners and traders who were operating outside the law. This, he said, made the firms complicit in encouraging violation of the Mining Act Cap 306 and other attendant laws.
The CS was speaking on Thursday during a meeting with cement-makers and representatives from Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Kenya Chamber of Mines (KCM) to deliberate on ways to streamline operations in the sector to support the fight against illegal mining operations. The Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Mining Elijah Mwangi and senior department officials were also present.
“We need your support in fighting against illegal mining operations but sadly, some of you provide markets for minerals extracted illegally by faceless entities that are not paying taxes, royalties and are giving nothing to communities for those minerals. This must stop,” said the CS.
In the past three years, the government has escalated the fight against illegal mining operations in Kenya in an exercise that has seen the closure of over 3,000 illicit mines that were operating without licenses.
The unveiling of the specialized Mining Police Unit and the recent inclusion of an investigative unit under the officers drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is part of wide-ranging reforms to escalate war against illicit mining operations that are estimated to cost the government billions of shillings in lost revenue annually.
The CS pointed out that the government was fully committed to supporting the cement-manufacturers to enhance their production and accelerate growth but within the confines of the law. He singled out gypsum, a key mineral in cement-making, as one of the heavily exploited minerals by illegal miners who then sold it to cement-maker for processing of cement.
“You have been buying and using gypsum in cement-manufacturing yet there is no record of anyone licensed to mine gypsum in Kenya. There are no records on production, payment of taxes and royalties or community programs undertaken by any gypsum dealer because they are doing it illegally,” explained the CS.
Gypsum is amongst the primary minerals used in cement-making. The others are clinker, limestone and Pozzolana. Gypsum is essential in prevention of sudden hardening of concrete when mixed with water which allows time for mixing, transporting and working on mortar. It also controls the rate of heat development when cement is mixed with water which retains strength and prevents thermal cracks.
Due to its centrality in cement making, Gypsum is a highly-sought mineral with a ready market; factors that make it prone to extreme abuse by illegal miners.
Mr. Tobias Alando, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Kenya Association of Manufacturers, said the cement-makers were fully committed to complying with the law and support Ministry’s promotion of clean mining business.
He requested for support from the ministry to bolster the sector through increased production which would translate into accelerated growth and creation of more employment opportunities.
“We want support from the government to help us grow this sector and contribute more to the economy and create more jobs,” he said.
Mr. John Simba, the chair of Bamburi Cement Company, said the cement makers would support government’s war against illegal miners by buying gypsum and other minerals from licensed and authorized sources.
He stated that the cement-making industry was at the heart of supporting the government Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) through supplying material for the affordable housing program.
“The cement manufacturers are key in national development and will support the ministry through getting our materials and necessary minerals only from licensed sources and entities,” he said.
While welcoming this commitment, the CS urged miners of gypsum to make formal applications for mining licenses to legalize their trade. He termed illegal mining as a hazardous undertaking that had contributed greatly to destruction and degradation of the environment without any accountability in addition to denying Kenya’s their rightful share of revenue from minerals.
He further challenged the cement makers to be patriotic and support economic growth by paying royalties, taxes and supporting communities to improve their livelihoods.
“Let us do the right thing and ask our suppliers to have licenses. We will expedite the approvals if all requirements have been met. We are committed to assisting this industry but we must do the right thing, “said the CS.
Dr. Patrick Kanyoro, the chair of Kenya Chambers of Mines, said the miners would engage in self-regulation to promote safe mining methods and encourage care for the environment. He asked the ministry to establish exact coordinates of investors engaged in gypsum miners which would allow for close monitoring.
By Wagema Mwangi