Mr Chairman,
Distinguished Delegates,
Let me start by first, congratulating you on your election as
Chairman of this session, and second, expressing my delegation?s
appreciation to the Secretariat for providing the report on Mining,
apart from the other four (4) thematic cluster for implementation
cycle. I also thank the panellists for their contribution.
I would like to align myself with the statements by the
representatives from Nigeria (on behalf of the African Group), Ghana,
Indonesia, Australia and Canada, that mining can make a great
contribution to sustainable economic development.
Mr Chairman,
On behalf of the Government of Kenya (GoK), and as a national
delegate from Kenya, I wish to document the progress made in the
governing of mining in Kenya, to help provide a more balanced
outlook on contribution of mining to sustainable development.
Kenya is endowed with enormous mineral resources, both metallic and
non-metallic (industrial), which are known to occur in the many
parts of the country. Mineral exploration and exploitation are
presently governed by the Mining Act Cap. 306 of the Laws of Kenya
enacted in 1940, but the legislative framework is now being reviewed
in the proposed Mining and Minerals Bill which is expected to be
finalized this year (2010), currently waiting to be tabled in
Parliament.
Mr. Chairman,
I wish to state that Kenya intends to foster the establishment of a
thriving mining sector which makes full contribution to
sustainable economic development. The Government recognises
that mining can act as an engine for economic development by:
diversifying exports,
widening the tax base,
generating skilled employment,
creating demand for local goods and services,
contributing to infrastructure development,
producing raw materials for local usage, and finally,
acting as a catalyst for wider investment in the economy.
There is an urgent need to unlock the potential of the mining
sector in Kenya by attracting new investment in the exploration
for and exploitation of mineral resources. The Government of
Kenya recognises that in order to achieve this, it must first
establish an enabling environment for investors, which is based
upon modern regulatory arrangements and competitive terms.
Indeed, other African countries facing similar challenges have
taken steps to reform mining sector regulation and are now
beginning to attract substantial flows of investment from
companies that would previously have overlooked them.
While seeking to encourage investment by mining companies, Kenya
is also recognising the need to ensure that mining operations are
conducted responsibly. The Government considers that neglect of
the environment and harm to local communities as a result of
mining operations is not acceptable. The intention is therefore to
ensure that Kenya secures the full economic and social benefits
that mining development promises.
Mr Chairman,
The Vision of the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources
(MEMR) is ?A clean, secure and sustainably managed environment and
mineral resources conducive for national prosperity? while its
mandate is ?To promote, conserve, and sustainably manage the
environment and mineral resources for national development? which
have partly been encapsulated in Vision 2030 as an assurance to the
country to have and continue enjoying a clean environment. The
proposed new draft National Mineral Resources and Mining Policy
(also awaiting tabling in Parliament) has borrowed heavily from these
key development beacons of the Ministry.
The proposed new National Policy on Mineral Resources and Mining
sets out principles and policies that will guide the Government in
the reform of mining sector regulation and promotion of minerals
investment. The Mining Policy and Minerals and Mining Bill when
enacted are expected to address the following:
Intergenerational equity and sustainable utilization of
mineral resources
Regulation of common minerals, under the mainstream
minerals law
Equitable access to mineral resources and benefit sharing
Observation of the social and cultural values of the affected
communities in the management of mineral resources
Environmental conservation in mineral resource development
Alternative mine closure and development of new mine sites
Value addition to raw minerals before export as a way of
increasing returns for the people of Kenya.
Mr Chairman,
The Mining and Minerals Policy has been developed having regard
to the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment
Creation , which sets out a strategy for economic growth and
improvement of the standard and quality of life of all Kenyans.
The Policy will unlock the potential of the mining sector in Kenya
by attracting new investment in the exploration for and
extraction and rational use of mineral resources. Kenya will be
able to compete for international investment effectively.
The Policy also seeks to ensure that mining operations are
conducted in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
The initiatives contained in the Policy are directed not only at
large-scale mining but also at small-scale mining operations,
which offer opportunities to support rural livelihoods and local
entrepreneurship.
The Policy further focuses on removing the factors that presently
prevent much small-scale mining activity from taking place in the
formal sector, particularly the lack of access to finance and
recognised minerals rights and incentives to operate legally.
Mr Chairman,
As part of the Kenya?s strategy to improve efficiency and contribute
on Mining Best Practices for ensuring sustainable development of
mineral resources, we are faced with challenges on capacity building
and promotional activities which include:
A) Capacity Building
Human resources development in terms of staff
establishment levels and training
Equipment and technological acquisition and/or
development
Expansion of services of the Mines and Geological
Department to the main mining districts
Exploration of the currently unmapped areas for mineral
deposits/occurrences, especially the grossly
underdeveloped northern parts of Kenya
B) Promotional Activities
Mineral investment promotions at both local and
international levels aimed at attracting investments
in the Minerals sector in Kenya
Community sensitization on mining activities and
benefits.
An integrated approach to mining between miners,
Kenya Chamber of Mines and the Government.
Assistance to small scale mining entrepreneurs (SMEs)
Encouragement to artisanal miners to register groups
for easy monitoring and advice on best mining
practices, especially where mercury is being used.
Thank you Mr. Chairman for the opportunity to make this intervention.
