Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has ordered the formation of a high-level technical committee to address outstanding compliance issues that led to the suspension of operations at Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited.
The committee will be jointly led by the Principal Secretary for Mining, representing the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, and the Chief Executive Officer of Tata Chemicals Magadi on behalf of the company.
The decision followed a meeting between Joho and executives of Tata Chemicals Magadi to discuss concerns raised by the government following the suspension of the company’s operations.
According to Joho, the committee will undertake a detailed technical review of the unresolved matters and prepare a report for submission to his office for consideration and further direction.
The key issues to be addressed include mineral beneficiation and in-country value addition, outstanding community benefits and royalty obligations, unresolved land matters and opening up the area for multiple mineral extraction.
The committee will also examine outstanding matters involving the Kajiado County Government.
The government has maintained that its intervention is aimed at ensuring compliance with Kenyan laws while creating a sustainable framework for responsible mining and investment.
“As Government, we remain committed to constructive engagement with investors while firmly upholding Kenya’s laws, regulations and the interests of its people,” Joho said.
He said the objective was not only to resolve the outstanding compliance concerns but also to promote value addition, community development and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The development comes after the government suspended operations at Tata Chemicals Magadi amid concerns over the company’s compliance with various regulatory and community obligations.
Tata Chemicals Magadi is a major producer of soda ash, a mineral used in the manufacture of glass, detergents and other industrial products.
The committee is expected to provide a technical assessment of the outstanding issues before the government determines the next course of action.
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