Miners alleged to be illegal have burnt down property belonging to investor David May of Karebe Gold Mine Company, in Chemelil-Chemase division in Tinderet, Nandi County, Kenya.
Karebe Gold Mine Company administrator Albert Kiplimo confirmed the report and said that the miners were on a retaliatory attack after police prevented them earlier in the day from entering the underground tunnels to mine.
Armed with petrol, they pulled down the gate and set fire on the Managing Director’s main house, three vehicles and a generator. The attackers vandalized properties and made away with valuables including laptops that had information about the company.
“The incident is regrettable and we have launched investigations into the matter. So far, 13 suspects have been arrested and are in police custody, waiting to be arraigned in court,” said Tinderet Deputy County Commissioner Esther Oyugi.
Karebe Gold Mining Limited (KGML)
Karebe Gold Mining Limited (KGML) was founded in 2009 and it has been given a 25 years’ operating license. The mining company operates three separate mines in Western Kenya; Equatorial, Rock Corry and Boma Mines.
Gold was first discovered in the region in the 1940’s, during which time a number of small scale mines were developed in the area. However, mining activity came to a halt after independence and there was no mining activity in the region until KGML commenced operations in 2009.
KGML has a strong focus on social responsibility, including responsibility to its employees, communities and the environment in which it operates. It complies with local and international regulations, including the IFC Performance Standards on measuring, mitigating and reporting its environmental and social impact.
