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| Article Name : | | | INFORMATION NEEDS FOR SMALL SCALE MINERS (SSM): A CASE OF TAITA TAVETA COUNTY, KENYA | | Author Name : | | | John Lugovane , Bernard K. Rop | | Publisher : | | | Ashok Yakkaldevi | | Article Series No. : | | | GRT-3959 | | Article URL : | |  | Author Profile View PDF In browser | | Abstract : | | | This study examines information needs for Small Scale Miners (SSM) in Taita Taveta County in the Coastal region of Kenya. The geological and mineral resources technical reports of the region indicate the presence of deposits of globally known gemstones such as Ruby, Tsavorite, Sapphire, Emerald and garnets. Industrial minerals include iron-ore, limestones, magnesite and graphite. There are many Small Scale Miners (SSM) and medium sized mineral prospecting companies operating in the area. This study was conducted as a follow-up of a workshop on mining practices organized for SSM at Taita Taveta University College in 2011 with the help of questionnaires. Participants were drawn from four districts that form Taita Taveta County. Objectives of the study were to determine the information needs of SSM, identify current information sources, identify problems and constraints encountered and make appropriate recommendations for improving information services to SSM. It is evident from the present study that majority of SSM are unable to get the necessary geological and mining information to support their activities so that people involved at local level can operate openly and effectively despite their notable presence in Taita Taveta County. A number of factors could help explain the set of information challenges that continue to confront SSM as they go about their mining operations in the County. This study attempted to investigate both internal and external factors contributing to the lack of information challenges and subsequently came up with recommendations to help these SSM maximize mining operations efficiently. | | Keywords : | | |
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