Energy ministry launches licensed artisanal gold mine in Okemer, Abim District

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development launched an artisanal gold mine in Okemer Village, Abim District, operated by the community cooperative Kakoka Miners Cooperative Society Limited under a mining licence on 40 acres granted by the government, following a three-year standoff with illegal miners. State Minister Fiona Nyamutoro said the government would promote environmentally sound mining and set up gold buying centres; the cooperative said more than 2,500 miners had been registered. The Resident District Commissioner pointed to a heavy security presence around the site.