GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 497

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 2019, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Shaanxi Africa Mining Company, proposes to extract and transport copper ore from the designated mining area to an off-site processing plant. The copper ore will be mined using suitable open-pit and will involve activities such as geological mapping, sampling and confirmation drilling where required on plot L.R. Nos. 116, 217, 218, 226, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 236, 237 and 240- Ngiluni settlement scheme at Kamunyu village, Kambu Sub-County, Makueni County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impact Mitigation Measure Uncontrolled development • Obtain approvals from NEMA, County Government, and other sectoral regulators before project commencement; ensure compliance with land use plans and zoning regulations to avoid conflicts. Lack of environmental awareness among workers and community • Conduct environmental awareness sessions; install site signage; distribute project information through meetings, posters, and leaflets. Mismanagement of site operations • Appoint competent site managers; implement operational codes; ensure statutory compliance. Accidents and hazards • Provide insurance cover for workers and equipment; establish emergency response plans; provide first aid and PPE; ensure no contamination reaches Athi River. Air pollution and dust emissions • Spray water on dusty surfaces; require dust masks; cover transport trucks; limit vehicle speeds; maintain equipment. Solid waste generation • Provide segregated waste bins; engage licensed waste handlers; encourage recycling and reuse. Loss of biodiversity • Demarcate construction boundaries; avoid unnecessary clearing; replant indigenous species; maintain buffer zones. Soil erosion and sedimentation • Stabilize disturbed soils; construct silt traps and drainage; avoid excavation during heavy rains; rehabilitate disturbed areas; prevent sediment runoff into Athi River. Water demand and wastewater generation • Obtain WRA permits; implement water recycling; use water-efficient fixtures; install mobile toilets/septic systems; monitor water quality, ensuring Athi River is not affected. Occupational health and safety risks • Register with DOSHS; provide PPE; install fire- fighting equipment; conduct safety drills; restrict public access. Community conflicts • Establish grievance redress mechanism; conduct consultations; prioritize local hiring; implement CSR initiatives. Air pollution • Use dust suppression methods; cover transport 162 162 Impact Mitigation Measure trucks; plant windbreaks; monitor air quality; Noise pollution • Enclose noisy equipment; provide ear protection; schedule high-noise tasks during daytime; monitor noise levels; minimize disturbance to wildlife in conservancy. Greenhouse gas emissions • Use fuel-efficient equipment; prioritize grid electricity; adopt renewable energy; implement tree planting programs. Biodiversity loss • Minimize clearing; replant cleared areas with indigenous species; maintain buffer zones; monitor ecosystems. Job losses • Provide retraining; pay terminal benefits; link workers to alternative employment. Insecurity • Contract security firm; secure or remove equipment; prevent illegal occupation; safeguard areas near conservancy. Safety and health risks • Supervise demolition; ensure PPE use; restrict to daytime; provide first aid; install warning signage. Waste generation • Recycle or reuse demolition materials; engage licensed waste contractors; prevent open dumping or burning; protect nearby natural areas. Soil erosion and ecological degradation • Rehabilitate site; decontaminate soil if necessary; plant indigenous vegetation; implement long-term erosion management. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) County Director of Environment, Makueni County. A copy of the EIA report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke, The National Environment Management Authority invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice to the Director-General, NEMA, to assist the Authority in the decision making process regarding this project. Comments can also be e-mailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/8081645 National Environment Management Authority.