Hillo gold mines in Kenya collapses
The Hillo gold mines in Kenya collapsed reportedly trapping 10 miners who had entered the restricted site despite the mines being officially closed in March 2024.
The mines were shut down in March after a deadly clash over resource-sharing, which resulted in 13 fatalities. Despite the closure, mining activities persisted, allegedly facilitated by security officers stationed to guard the area.
The government had planned to reopen the mines for legal mining after implementing new mining regulations. Instructions were issued to refill open mine pits to prevent future collapses and enable safer, mechanized mining practices. This process was scheduled to begin this week.
Accountability
An agreement between the government, local communities, and mining cooperatives aims to provide transparency and sustainability. Artisanal miners will be allocated specific areas and must secure five-year permits. A specialized police unit will be deployed to monitor the sites and ensure compliance. Backfilling and geologist deployment are intended to mitigate hazards. Buyers and processors must register with the Mining Office or face fines of Sh10 million or imprisonment.
Before its closure, Hillo mines attracted a large population of about 70,000, including 80% illegal immigrants from various countries. The collapse highlights the precarious balance between local economic opportunities and safety regulations.
“The realignments were are aimed at ensuring that the taxation and royalties regime was regularized for the benefit of artisenal miners, multinationals and to lock out illegal traders. The measures will also help check the influx of illegal immigrants in the region as the priority will only be given to the local communities,” said Principal Secretary State Department for Mining Mr Elijah Mwangi.
