The Government of Kenya through the State Department of Mining has embarked on an elaborate plan of mineral extraction in Busia County, among other areas of potential mineral deposits.

The principal secretary, State Department of Mining Harry Kimutai made the revelation during his tour of the Ojamii area, Teso South constituency in Busia County.

The PS was inspecting a gold exploration exercise in the Ojamii area being carried out by ADT Africa limited company.

The company has so far excavated 11 holes and extracted mineral samples to be taken to the laboratory for gold analysis.

Speaking at the exploration site, Kimutai reiterated the government’s commitment in utilising the natural resources including minerals and assured the community of their inclusivity at every stage in the gold mining exercise.

PS Kimutai noted that President William Ruto led government has an elaborate plan to use natural resources to cushion the government against foreign borrowing.

The county government of Busia through the County Secretary Oscar Juma welcomed the move to mine gold in the county.

He underscored the need for small scale gold miners across Busia County to be considered by both county and national governments in creating an enabling environment in their pursuit of extracting gold for them to earn a living.

Kimutai, however, called on the small-scale miners to form committees and ensure responsible mining devoid of environmental destruction adding that his department is working on the gazettement of already identified miners to start operations immediately.

He said every mineral extracted will be refined locally before exporting, noting that the government is putting up a refinery plant in Kakamega.