Artisanal miners in Turkana County have been urged to apply for mining licenses during a sensitization forum on compliance.The County Government and the Centre for Environment, Justice and Development brought together stakeholders in the mining sector, with an aim to facilitate structured engagements centered on the importance of artisanal mining and county trading permitsThe Regional Mining Officer Nahashon Cheboi stressed the need for the application of licenses, saying they are essential in reforming the mining sector.'The mineral dealers, the trading and the processing licenses provide the legal platform that aims to enhance the protection of environment and sustainability of mines through self-regulation,' Cheboi said.In his remarks, the Director for Mineral Resources, Stanley Loter, warned of the dangers of using chemicals such as mercury and cyanide in extraction, which he said, are hazardous to both humans and livestock.He reiterated the need for the engagement of artisanal miners in public participation in budgetary processes, which he said, is key in the increment of financial allocation in the mining sector.'We are also looking into the establishment of a modern gemstone centre which will include a geo-laboratory and a lapidary centre. This will not only bring value addition but will flourish the mining sector through attracting investors.' Director said.Stakeholders who participated in the forum were representatives from the County Government, SOLIDARIDAD, the County Artisanal Miners Association (TCAM), and the Turkana County Artisanal Miners Committee (TCAMC).Source: Kenya News Agency