Madam Chair,
Distinguished Delegates,
I wish to align myself with the statements
made by Mrs. Dewi Wahab, Minister
Counsellor, of Indonesia on behalf of the
Group of 77 and China as well as the African
Group, that mining can make a great
contribution to sustainable economic
development.
Madam Chair,
Kenya is making progress in mining sector,
which contributes 0.5% GDP to the national
economy.
Madam Chair,
The geological surveys which have been
carried out in Kenya indicate substantial
quantities of mineral deposits that are
yet to be fully explored and developed.
Madam Chair,
Kenya has also deliberately intensified
mineral exploration and geological
surveys efforts with an aim of identifying
more viable economic deposits. Kenya
recognizes that due to financial and
technical challenges, the private sector
would be hard pressed to provide primary
geological data and information.
Madam Chair,
In order to encourage investors to the
mining industry, Kenya has formulated a
new investor-friendly draft Mining and
Minerals Bill to be enacted soon. Once
this is enacted, the legislation will
provide the necessary impetus and
stimulus to the mining industry (to both
large-scale and small-scale artisanal
miners).
This new Act will address most of the
contentious issues such as
mineral benefit sharing,
security of tenure of mineral rights
environmental conservation (EIAs),
reduction of the discretionary powers
of licensing authorities,
Sustain the benefits of mining - even
after mine closure
Ensure that mineral development is
efficiently implemented in a socially
and friendly manner.
This will encourage artisanal miners to
register groups for easy monitoring and
advice on best mining practices,
especially where mercury is being used.
Madam Chair,
In conclusion, Kenya is faced with
challenges on capacity building and
technological initiatives, which are
required to improve efficiency on Mining
and the Consumption of Minerals for
ensuring sustainable economic
development.
Thank you Madam Chair
