Turkana County’s largest gold mining site, Lomeguro, is one step closer to resuming operations following a comprehensive assessment aimed at ensuring safety, environmental sustainability, and community inclusion.
The review, conducted by the Turkana County Government in collaboration with Oil and Gas Group Kenya and Solidaridad, comes after months of closure prompted by safety concerns and environmental issues.
The assessment follows a government directive that shuttered the mine due to a series of tragic accidents, community complaints about unsafe working conditions, and evidence of environmental degradation.
A joint delegation, including representatives from the partnering organizations, met with Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus to discuss lessons learned, safety guidelines, and best practices, setting the stage for the evaluation.
The team, which included Director of Mining Merimug Eloto, Geologist Wito Wario, Deputy Director Mining Elim Areman, Village Administrator Jafred Lomongin, and Area Chief Locham Ngitira Alfred, reviewed compliance with government regulations and planned activities for the mine’s potential reopening.
“Our interest is to ensure that mining activities here are safe, environmentally sound, and inclusive of the community. This is the basis on which reopening decisions will be made,” said Director Eloto during the exercise.
He acknowledged the closure’s impact on local livelihoods but emphasized the county’s commitment to working with partners and artisanal miners to facilitate a structured and safe return to operations.
“Joint assessments like this provide critical information for decision-making and highlight areas where our partners can support artisanal miners,” Eloto added.
Engineer Cyrus Jonde, a consultant with Oil and Gas Group Kenya, reported notable improvements in compliance compared to previous inspections, signaling the operators’ dedication to meeting safety and environmental standards.
Meanwhile, Augustine Masiga of Solidaridad stressed the need for stronger environmental safeguards to reverse land degradation and ensure long-term sustainability.
The assessment covered critical areas such as drilling operations, environmental controls, and community participation, with findings set to guide the county’s next steps toward reopening Lomeguro.
The initiative reflects Turkana County’s broader efforts to regulate its mining sector responsibly.
Similar assessments are planned for other mining sites, including Nagetei and Locheromoit, as the county works to balance economic benefits with safety and environmental concerns.
By prioritizing compliance and community involvement, Turkana aims to create a sustainable mining industry that supports local livelihoods while adhering to global best practices.