The Government is cracking down on firms and individuals illegally trading in minerals in efforts to clean up the mining industry.

The Mining ministry has said only three firms have been licensed to undertake mineral dealings in the country, meaning that dozens of companies that claim to have dealer’s licences are undertaking the trade illegally.

In a public notice issued on Friday, Cabinet Secretary said only Aurical Kenya has been licensed to carry out gold dealings while two other firms are licensed to deal with minerals other than gold.