A significant gold discovery has been announced in western Kenya, where the Isulu-Bushiangala Underground Mining Project has uncovered an estimated 1.27 million ounces of gold, making it one of the largest gold reserves ever identified in the country.

The announcement came from Shanta Gold Limited, a British-based mining company, which operates the Western Kenya Project. According to the company’s feasibility study and Kenyan media reports, the deposit’s estimated value stands at 683 billion Kenyan shillings (equivalent to around 223.4 billion Turkish lira), signaling a major boost for Kenya’s growing mineral industry.

The company’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), titled “Shanta Gold Western Kenya Feasibility Study: Isulu-Bushiangala Underground Mining Project”, detailed that the reserves contain an average grade of 11.43 grams of gold per ton of ore. The report found the project to be economically viable, technically sound, and socially acceptable, provided that environmental risks are mitigated through preventive measures.

The project area, covering approximately 337 acres, will affect about 800 households, most of whom live on privately owned land. To minimize disruption, authorities and Shanta Gold have planned six new resettlement zones across a 1,932-acre area, where families will be offered either monetary compensation or relocation options within the same locality.

Local leaders and the Kenyan Ministry of Mining have hailed the discovery as a milestone for the national economy, with expectations that it will create jobs, improve infrastructure, and enhance Kenya’s standing in global gold production. However, officials have underscored the need for balanced development to prevent social displacement and environmental degradation.

“This project has the potential to transform western Kenya’s economy, but it must be implemented responsibly,” a senior mining official said. “We are prioritizing transparency, fair compensation, and ecological protection.”

Shanta Gold, which already operates the New Luika Gold Mine in Tanzania, said it would move toward final project approvals and construction planning once all environmental and community consultations are completed. The company added that it is committed to local partnerships and sustainable mining practices.

Kenya’s mining sector, which has traditionally focused on small-scale operations, is now attracting increasing foreign investment. Experts say the Isulu-Bushiangala discovery could mark the beginning of a new era for Kenya as an emerging player in Africa’s mineral industry, alongside countries like Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa. (ILKHA)