An artisanal mining permit formalises small-scale, manual or semi-mechanised mining typically carried out by individuals or small groups, bringing them into Kenya’s formal mineral rights framework.
Fee Summary Table
| Item | Fee / Charge |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Ksh. 2,000 |
| Annual ground rent | Ksh. 10,000 |
| Transfer fee | Ksh. 50,000 |
| Mineral Development Levy | 1% of gross sale value (0.5% for salt and cement) |
Source: The Mining (Licence and Permit) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (Legal Notice 43 of 2024).
What You Need
- Application identifying the artisanal mining area and mineral(s) targeted
- Proof of identity for individual applicants, or registration documents for groups/cooperatives
- Basic safety and environmental undertakings appropriate to artisanal-scale operations
Designed for Accessibility
Of all the mineral rights instruments in Kenya, the artisanal mining permit carries the lowest application fee (Ksh. 2,000) and annual rent (Ksh. 10,000) — a deliberate design choice to bring informal miners into the formal, regulated, and taxed mineral economy rather than pricing them out of compliance entirely.
At a combined Ksh. 12,000 or so in year-one fees, an artisanal mining permit is within reach for most small operators. The bigger long-term consideration is the 1% Mineral Development Levy on whatever you sell, which applies regardless of your operation’s small scale.
