Regional Ministers, alongside their Regional Security Councils (REGSEC), have been mandated to intensify enforcement actions within their various jurisdictions to contain incidents of illegal small-scale mining.
This came out following an extensive engagement held by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and regional ministers to review on-going efforts at dealing with the canker of illegal small-scale mining. In a statement, the Ministry stressed that responsible mining remains a priority, aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of communities impacted by mining activities.
The meeting adopted additional measures at tackling the age-old problem of illegal small-scale mining through a comprehensive approach. The statement said the government will continue with the dual strategy of reformative measures and strict enforcement.
It called on all to support the efforts to enable the government to protect the environment, preserve water bodies, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. It said while the government welcomes the heightened interest in this all-important national issue, it urges the discourse to be devoid of partisanship so as to enable the country to galvanise the needed national and collective support to root out this canker.
