Melba Wasuna

Biography

Melba Wasuna brings valuable experience from one of Kenya’s most significant mining operations, the Kwale Mineral Sands Project, which transitioned from active mining to land restoration in late 2025/early 2026, offering practical insights into the lifecycle of large-scale mining investments.

Her perspective will highlight lessons from responsible mining operations (The framework for the 10% mineral royalty share for local communities) regulatory compliance (Navigating the Mining Act 2016 and subsequent 2024/2025 regulations) and post-mining transition, particularly the process of mine closure and land rehabilitation. She will also speak to mechanisms such as community royalty sharing and sustainable land use planning, demonstrating how mining investments can deliver long-term benefits to communities while meeting environmental and regulatory standards.