High-Level Consultations in Turkana County Focus on Sustainable Mineral Resource Exploitation
Principal Secretary for Mining Elijah Mwangi accompanied Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya on a working tour to Turkana County.
During the visit, they engaged in high-level consultations with the County Leadership, led by Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai Napotikan, along with Members of Parliament and the County Assembly.
The discussions centered on enhancing the sustainability of mineral resource exploitation for the benefit of the region.
As part of the discourse to forge collaboration for the exploitation of this vast resource, the CS noted, “Such vast wealth, if properly utilized, will be the cornerstone for catalyzing the socio-economic transformation of this border county.”
Additionally, the CS emphasized that strong collaboration between the national and county governments of Turkana in critical areas of the mining sector—including licensing, empowering artisanal miners through training, and establishing proper markets—would be foundational for propelling the region into unprecedented economic prosperity.
Turkana County, with its sprawling rugged landscape, sweltering temperatures, and undulating terrain, is a wonder to behold.
In the northern areas of Nadapal and Lokitang, where gold is found, artisanal mining activities abound.
From Kainuk to the south, a major gold belt crosses through Remis, Lorokon, and Nakwamoru in Katilu Ward, progressing to Karomwea, Maruputh, Turkwel, Loima, and Naduat/Lolupe, another major artisanal mining area.
Along the Ugandan border to the west, additional gold occurrences attract many artisanal miners.
To the east of the county, Kaeris and its neighborhood host gemstones, mainly blue sapphires found in the Mulpus area.
Red and green garnets have been mapped around the Kaputirr region, alongside graphite, which is highly sought for battery manufacturing and refractory purposes.
Other gemstones in the area include serpentinite, beryl, and tourmaline. East of Loichangamata, significant gypsum reserves are found in Loporat, Kaaling, and Kapua areas.
Artisanal coltan mining has been taking place in the Nachola area of Baragoi.
Southern Turkana is rich in minerals such as chromite, copper, limestone, trona, magnesite, bentonite clays, rare-earth elements, asbestos, talc, silica, vermiculite, graphite, sillimanite, and corundum, primarily located between Lokichar and Lokori.
Mapped and identified radioactive elements in the area include samarskite, monazite, pitchblende, and euxenite (uranium class).
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