Employment creation, local economic development, mineral revenue, export earnings
Migori Gold Mining (Macalder Mines Area)
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining operations in the Macalder area of Migori County with formalization efforts.
AnnouncedJanuary 1, 2010
StartedJanuary 1, 2010
Financials
Offering PriceKsh 500,000,000KES
Timeline
Mining Formalization Program
Government initiated program to formalize artisanal mining and reduce mercury use
Child Labor Concerns Raised
Reports of child labor in mining operations drew national attention and intervention
Scandals & Controversies
Child Labor Concerns Raised
January 1, 2018Reports of child labor in mining operations drew national attention and intervention
Contractors
Various Artisanal Mining Groups
Mine OperatorsMultiple artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives
Politicians Involved
Ochillo Ayacko
GovernorSupported mining sector formalization and regulation
Benefits
Description
The Macalder mines area in Nyatike sub-county, Migori County, hosts one of Kenya's most significant gold mining regions. The area has a history of both large-scale and artisanal mining dating back to the colonial era when the Macalder-Nyanza mine was operated commercially. Today, thousands of artisanal miners work in the area, though with significant environmental and health concerns due to mercury use. Various government initiatives have attempted to formalize the sector, improve safety, and introduce modern extraction methods. The mining zone contributes significantly to Migori's economy but has been associated with child labor and environmental degradation.
Overview
Major economic activity supporting thousands of families, but with significant environmental and social challenges