Multimillion Australian Firm Contemplates Quitting Kenya Over Permits

Sunday, May 26, 2024 –Multimillion Australian mining company based in Kilifi County will remain around after the government accepted to issue it with two operations permits.

The firm, had announced its closure in December this year following a protracted struggle with the State over their two important operating licenses.

A source told the media that the said company had complained of mineral depletion in Kwale County, where it is based, but the State was taking too long to respond on the permit concern.

In a statement from the firm, Ministry of Mining was taking them in circles over the documents making it hard to sustain its presence in the country.

But through an official Gazette Notice dated Friday May 14, Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Natural Resources, Mr. Salim Mvurya, indicated that the stalemate had been resolved and that the applicant will be attended to.

He clarified that the company will continue with its mineral prospection after the mentioned permits are processed as soon as possible.

“The application may be accessed from the Ministry’s portal, published in the Gazette, and opened to the public for comment for 21 days from the date of this notice,” the Gazette Notice read in part.

The Mining CS advised that anyone who could be having an objection on the continued operations of the company in the area can deliver their complaints to his office within the next three weeks.

“Any objection by any person or community against the grant of the prospecting license may be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary within 21 days from the date of this Notice.”

The company management, while briefing the authorities on its plans to explore minerals in Lamu, the Ilmenite, Rutile, and Zircon (Heavy Minerals), did not make it clear whether it will carry on with its plans to sack about 800 staff.

It had already set aside a whopping sh 1.1 billion to pay workers who were to be relieved of their positions as the firm quits Kenyan market.