Clean Energy, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Communities

Artisanal and small-scale mining activities has spurred infrastructural development in the county where access to water, roads, communication and energy which is essential to the expansion of the county. This thematic area will focus in implementing SDG 7, 9 and 11will ensure increased productivity and income generation of the mining sector. Concrete interventions to drive the required infrastructure development, technology, and mining rights allocations will be prioritized within stipulated timelines.

Issues/ Challenges

 

Artisanal and small-scale mining in Taita Taveta has contributed to infrastructure development (SDG9) and towards sustainable livelihoods for the local communities (SDG11).  Sustainable innovation and infrastructure development, sustainable mining communities and affordable and clean energy (SDG7) can increase the productivity and competitiveness of the ASM sector in Kenya.  Innovative mining technologies and equipment have the potential to advance the social, economic and environmental conditions of gemstone mining.  However, miners in the county have limited access to innovation, appropriate technology and clean energy due to various economic, socio-cultural, and political factors.

 

 

ASM in Taita Taveta mostly use traditional mining methods and simple mechanization.  On one hand, this lack of modern mining equipment and technologies hampers the efficient and effective mining production.  On the other hand, the ASM’s basic mechanization requires less energy compared to that used in large-scale mining. 

 

Infrastructure development (i.e. water, roads, communication and energy) which is essential for the growth of the gemstone mining industry, and for sustainable mining communities is quite poor in the County.  The mining towns have expanded over the years but many laborers live in temporary camps in mine sites which have very poor water and waste management services and are a significant threats to public health. 

 

Overall, to achieve SDG7, SDG9 and SDG11, the Government of Taita Taveta should continue with their plans towards infrastructure development.  The reinvestment of mining revenues to develop low cost but good quality housing, and also the purchase of mining equipment for collective use by mining organizations is a possibility. 

 

 

Key Thematic Clusters and Actions

Infrastructure Development (Water, Roads, Communication Infrastructure, Electricity)

  • Install and promote use of water harvesting and storage tanks
  • Improve and install physical and electronic communication infrastructure
  • Improve condition of access roads to the mines
  • Explore use of alternative sources of power e.g. solar
  • Connect electricity to mining sites

Technology and Mining

  • Determine technical literacy gaps and develop vocational capacity building opportunities around prospecting, exploration, drilling and blasting, and mining techniques
  • Promote adoption of new technology through tech-fairs, hackathons, and community exhibitions
  • Establish and run field schools on uptake of new greener technology
  • Develop robust procurement and financing mechanisms for equipment purchase, management, and leasing to and for local miners particularly for vulnerable groups
  • Promote sustainable blasting practices
  • Develop geo-scientific databases, cadastres and infrastructure system

Land and mining allocations for ASM

  • Review and recommend legislation on mining land access and licensing
  • Enhance capacity on effective implementation of Mining Act (2016)
  • Develop procedures to ensure sustainable usage of ranches and national parks
  • Explore and diversify the link between National and County Land Rights
  • Organize collaboration and promote synergy between the secretariat, TTU, Mining departments and the Ranchers

Pillars of Sustainable Mining