Government Breaks Silence on Shanta Gold Licence After Court Blocks Mining Activities in Siaya

The government has clarified the legal status of Shanta Gold Kenya Limited’s mining operations in Siaya County following a court ruling that placed restrictions on the company’s activities on privately owned land.

The Ministry of Mining has maintained that the company’s prospecting licence remains valid, dismissing reports suggesting that the court had cancelled or suspended it.

In a statement released on Friday, October 30, Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai said the Environment and Land Court’s October 29 judgment did not revoke Prospecting Licence No. PL/2019/0222.

He explained that the court only provided guidance on the legal requirements that must be followed before certain mining activities can proceed.

According to Kimtai, the licence remains in force, but the company must respect the law and the court’s directions.

However, the court issued restrictions preventing Shanta Gold from entering private land, conducting drilling, clearing vegetation, excavating or carrying out other activities in Ramula, Munongo and Uranga without permission from registered landowners.

The ruling followed petitions challenging the proposed Ramula Mboma mining project and the procedures used to obtain approvals for the operations.

The court also directed mining authorities not to issue a mining licence for application number 0200 until the company provides documented consent from all affected private landowners.

It further ordered that objections to the application be reconsidered and that proper benefit-sharing arrangements be reached before a mining licence is granted.

The company and government agencies were also warned against relocating or displacing residents outside the law.

Reacting to the decision, Kimtai assured residents of Siaya and Vihiga counties that the government would respect the court’s orders.

He also said authorities would ensure mining activities are conducted transparently and responsibly.

The ruling highlights the importance of protecting landowners’ rights as Kenya seeks to attract investment in its mining sector.

For residents, the key issue remains whether their land rights, consent and interests will be respected before the proposed gold mining project moves forward.

https://x.com/citizentvkenya/status/2116211624314851728?s=19

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