The ministry of mining is inviting investors and interested parties in the consultancy field to submit their expression of interest (EOIs) for consideration for the feasibility study of the consideration on the establishment of a gold refinery plant in Kakamega County.
In an advertisement in local papers, the mining ministry looking to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on the commercial and social economic viability of the plant.
‘’The aim of the project is to improve livelihoods of the beneficiaries community, regional economy and that of Kenya as a whole, and creation of direct and indirect jobs for wealth creation through refining gold to international standards.’’ The ministry said.
To be eligible, however, firms are required to provide an elaborate background and structure of a consulting firm, with evidence of at least two complete contracts of a similar nature, demonstrate financial and organisational strength by attaching audited for at least three years, provide references, curriculum vitae, among other factors.
Earlier in the year, British firm Acacia Mining kick-started a survey to determine the commercial viability of the deposits estimated at 1.1 million ounces gold.
The announcement comes at the backdrop of the Mining Act 2017 which requires the establishment of the Mineral Rights Board.
The establishment of a gold refinery in Kakamega County could revive the dreams of a better life among villagers, decades after the collapse of gold mining in the region.
