Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary has revealed that five containers carrying illegally mined Copper have been seized in the port of Mombasa.
In a statement via X, on Wednesday, February 5, CS Joho said the containers were seized by the newly established Mining Police Unit.
He noted that the containers had false declarations and that the copper was intended to be exported to China.
“The ongoing crackdown aimed at curbing the illicit exploitation of our country’s mineral resources is gaining significant momentum by the day.
“I am encouraged that the revamped Mining Investigation Unit today seized five containers at the Port of Mombasa, with false declaration of their contents. Investigations reveal that the containers containing carrying copper, which were transported by road from Nairobi to Mombasa, were intended for export to China,” said Joho.
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The Mining CS pointed out that copper is a high-value and strategic resource and its illegal exploitation denies the country vital revenue that is needed for national development.
Further CS Joho issued a stern warning to illegal miners saying they will face the full force of law.
“We are once again sending out a clear and strong message to illegal miners, dealers, and their accomplices that these illegal activities will face the full force of the law,” Joho added.
This comes weeks after Joho unveiled the Mining Police Unit to curb illegal exploration and mining of minerals across Kenya.
The unit which is under the Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs is headed by former Kilimani DCIO Fatuma Ali and is mandated to pursue miners, prospectors, and dealers violating the mining laws and regulations.
