Kenya Seizes Copper Shipment in Port Crackdown.
Mining officials found five containers of copper at Mombasa Port marked with false papers. Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said the shipment came from Nairobi and was headed to China.
"The Mining Investigation Unit seized these containers today," Joho said. "They carried copper but listed different contents."
The ministry stepped up efforts to stop illegal mineral trade. This marks the latest success in a growing campaign against unlawful mining practices.
"Copper stands as both valuable and strategic," said Joho. "Illegal mining costs our nation needed income for development."
The seizure follows recent raids in Nairobi and the Athi River. Those operations found rocks worth Sh200 million containing iron ore, copper, zinc, and lead. Police arrested three foreigners and one Kenyan.
Officers also found a spectrometer used to detect radioactive minerals. The stolen materials included components used in car battery production.
Joho launched a new investigative team last month to protect Kenya's resources. "Minerals belong to all Kenyans, present and future," he said during the January 8 announcement.
He warned illegal miners and their partners of strict punishment. "These activities will face the full force of the law," Joho said.
Mining officials found five containers of copper at Mombasa Port marked with false papers. Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said the shipment came from Nairobi and was headed to China.
"The Mining Investigation Unit seized these containers today," Joho said. "They carried copper but listed different contents."
The ministry stepped up efforts to stop illegal mineral trade. This marks the latest success in a growing campaign against unlawful mining practices.
"Copper stands as both valuable and strategic," said Joho. "Illegal mining costs our nation needed income for development."
The seizure follows recent raids in Nairobi and the Athi River. Those operations found rocks worth Sh200 million containing iron ore, copper, zinc, and lead. Police arrested three foreigners and one Kenyan.
Officers also found a spectrometer used to detect radioactive minerals. The stolen materials included components used in car battery production.
Joho launched a new investigative team last month to protect Kenya's resources. "Minerals belong to all Kenyans, present and future," he said during the January 8 announcement.
He warned illegal miners and their partners of strict punishment. "These activities will face the full force of the law," Joho said.
