Catastrophic mine failures risk mall-scale mining sector
The artisanal and small-scale mining sector holds immense promise for Kenya’s economic transformation. With the potential to contribute up to 10 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, artisanal and small-scale mining is uniquely positioned to drive sustainable development, particularly in rural areas.
However, this promise is overshadowed by frequent and catastrophic mine failures, a growing threat that imperils both lives and livelihoods in mining communities.
The 2023 national survey identified 970 mineral occurrences across Kenya, including critical minerals such as rare earth elements (REEs) and titanium, placing Kenya on the global mining map.
Despite these achievements, the sector’s potential is undercut by persistent challenges, particularly in safety and operational practices.
The artisanal and small-scale mining sector directly employs more than 250,000 small-scale miners and supports over a million Kenyans indirectly. The growing demand for minerals has fuelled a surge in small-scale mining activities, yet this expansion has not been matched by advancements in safety and infrastructure.
Catastrophic mine collapses, such as the December 2021 tragedy in Siaya County’s Abimbo mine and the May 2024 disaster in Dabel, northern Kenya, are grim reminders of the risks miners face daily. These incidents claimed lives, disrupted livelihoods, and underscored the urgent need for reform.
The causes of these failures are multifaceted. Inadequate technical expertise, reliance on outdated mining methods, and poor maintenance of support systems such as wooden reinforcements contribute significantly to mine instability.
Environmental factors, including heavy rains, soil pressure, and poor tailings management exacerbate the risks, particularly in western Kenya’s gold mining regions. Alarmingly, some miners conceal accidents from authorities, fearing mine closures and loss of income, compounding the problem.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach. Safety must become a cornerstone of the sector’s growth strategy, supported by robust training, policy reforms, and infrastructure investment.
Establishing centralised training centres to equip miners with essential geotechnical knowledge and safety practices is crucial. Practical training in modern mining techniques will reduce reliance on outdated and dangerous methods. Miners with this knowledge will be empowered to identify and mitigate risks, reducing the likelihood of preventable disasters.
The government, through the Ministry of Mining, should create a dedicated artisanal and small-scale mining safety manual and establish clear guidelines for geotechnical risk assessment.
These resources will provide miners with the tools to operate safely and sustainably.
A specialised task force should be formed to conduct regular inspections, offer technical support, and respond swiftly to emergencies.
Such oversight will ensure compliance with safety standards and build trust within mining communities.
This task force would also be instrumental in addressing the deeply rooted fear among miners that reporting accidents will lead to mine closures. Instead, the task force’s role should be to provide support, not punishment, encouraging transparency and proactive safety measures.
Formalising the sector can enhance regulation, increase government revenue, and drive infrastructure development in mining regions. This process should involve clear licensing frameworks and incentives for compliance.
A formalised sector would not only attract investment but also ensure miners receive fair compensation and access to basic services, creating a safer and more equitable industry. Collaboration with NGOs and international organisations can further unlock funding, technology, and expertise to modernise the sector.
Such partnerships can provide access to advanced tools and mining technologies that improve safety and efficiency, ensuring that the artisanal and small-scale mining sector remains competitive on a global scale.
The sector is a vital pillar of Kenya’s economic future, but its promise cannot be realised without urgent intervention. Every mine collapse represents not just a human tragedy but also an economic setback that ripples through entire communities.
By investing in training, safety, and formalisation, we can safeguard lives while unlocking the sector’s full potential.
Addressing the environmental challenges posed by operations such as deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution is essential for creating a sustainable future.
Policies should encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, including responsible tailings management and land reclamation programmes.
By prioritising the safety and well-being of miners, fostering collaboration, and investing in modern practices, we can transform the artisanal and small-scale mining sector into a robust and sustainable engine of growth. The time to act is before more lives are lost and opportunities squandered.
Source: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com