History of Mining in Migori County

In Pre-Colonial Era, Indigenous communities in Migori County engaged in small-scale gold mining long before the arrival of European settlers. They used rudimentary tools and techniques to extract gold from riverbeds and shallow deposits.

Early 1900s, The discovery of gold in the Migori region attracted European prospectors. By the 1910s, organized mining operations began, leading to the establishment of several mining camps and the influx of foreign investment.

Colonial Period(1930s), The Migori Greenstone Belt (MGB) became a significant focus for exploration. The identification of the Macalder Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposit marked a turning point. This period saw the establishment of the Macalder mine, which became one of the most important mining sites in the region.

Mid-1930s, Falcon Bridge Africa, a prominent mining company, discovered the Macalder mine, which contained valuable deposits of copper, zinc, gold, and silver. This discovery led to extensive mining operations and the development of infrastructure to support the mining activities.

Post-Colonial Era(1960s), Following Kenya’s independence, many colonial miners left the region. Despite the decline in large-scale mining operations, local miners continued to extract gold using artisanal methods. The departure of colonial miners led to a shift towards more localized and small-scale mining activities.

Recent Years, Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has become a crucial source of livelihood for many residents of Migori County. Efforts to formalize the sector and improve mining practices have been ongoing, with support from both government and non-governmental organizations. These efforts aim to enhance safety, environmental sustainability, and economic benefits for the local communities.

Key Mining Sites in Migori County

Macalder

History: The Macalder mine, discovered in the 1930s, is one of the oldest and most significant mining sites in Migori County. Initially developed by Falcon Bridge Africa, the mine produced copper, zinc, gold, and silver. Over the years, various operators have managed the site, contributing to its rich mining history.

Current Status: Today, Macalder is primarily an artisanal mining site. Local miners extract gold using traditional methods, and the site remains a key area for gold mining activities. Efforts to improve mining practices and ensure the safety of miners are ongoing.

Osiri

History: Osiri, located in Nyatike, is one of the largest artisanal mining sites in the county. The site has a long history of gold mining, with local miners using rudimentary tools to extract gold-bearing rocks. The mining activities at Osiri have been a significant source of income for the local community.

Current Status: Osiri continues to be a bustling mining site, with hundreds of miners working daily. The mining process involves digging deep pits, crushing the ore, and washing it to extract gold. The site is known for its vibrant mining community and ongoing efforts to improve mining practices.

Mikeyi

History: Mikeyi, also in Nyatike, was a significant mining site during the colonial period. The site saw extensive gold prospecting activities until the 1960s when colonial miners left the area. The name “Mikeyi” is derived from the abbreviation MK (Mines of Kenya), reflecting its historical importance.

Current Status: Today, Mikeyi is an artisanal mining site. Local miners continue to extract gold using traditional methods, contributing to the local economy. The site remains an important part of the region’s mining heritage.

Most Mined Minerals

Gold

The most significant mineral in Migori County. The Migori Greenstone Belt is known for its gold deposits, with several artisanal and small-scale mining sites such as Macalder, Osiri, and Mikeyi.

Raw Copper

Raw copper is Found in the Macalder mines, along with gold, zinc, and silver.

Sulphide ores

Characterized by mineral assemblages such as quartz, sphalerite-pyrite, pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite, and carbonate.

Zinc

Also present in the Macalder mines, Migori County.

Silver

Extracted alongside gold, copper, and zinc in the Macalder mines.

Mining Practices

Safe Mining Practices

At Migori Mining sites, safety is the top priority. From rigorous training programs to state-of-the-art safety equipment, all miners ensure that they work in secure conditions. There are many numerous implemented safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of mining workers.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of minig operations. There are adopted eco-friendly mining practices that minimize environmental impact and promote the rehabilitation of mining sites. The initiatives include water recycling, reforestation, and reducing carbon emissions to ensure a greener future.

Technologies

Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Migori Miners stays at the forefront of the mining industry. The use of advanced machinery and innovative techniques enhances efficiency, safety, and sustainability. From automated drilling to data-driven decision-making, technology plays a crucial role in their mining operations.

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