The government, through the State Department for Mining, has announced a major initiative to promote the growth of mineral exploitation and value addition across the country.
According to a recent survey, Kenya has 970 mineral occurrences spread across its 47 counties and presenting a major opportunity for economic development.
“The National Aerial Geophysical Survey identified 970 mineral occurrences across the Country. Each of the 47 counties in Kenya has a presence of mineral whose potential can be tapped to spur economic growth,” read a statement from the department.
To capitalize on this opportunity, the government is collaborating with County governments to establish mineral development centers in each county.
“To promote the growth of mineral exploitation and value addition, the State Department for Mining is working closely with County governments to seek space for the establishment for mineral development centers.”
These centers will serve as hubs for advancing mining operations and enhancing the mineral value chain, providing targeted support to county-based mining activities.
Also Read: Ministry of Mining Discovers 970 Minerals Nationwide
“The devolved units are strategically placed as next frontiers for growth in the mining operations & mineral value-chain development.”
Mining Efforts at Grassroot Level
Furthermore, the government is taking steps to decentralize laboratory services by setting up mineral testing and laboratories in nine key regions.
This move aims to ensure that artisanal miners and mineral investors have access to essential support and resources closer to their areas of operation.
The overarching goal is to promote investments and cultivate county-specific mineral value chains that showcase the unique mineral resources present in each county.
Central to this goal is the ongoing effort to combat illegal mining operations that deplete mineral resources and evade the payment of royalties.
By fostering sustainable mining practices and equitable distribution of mineral resources, the government aims to drive economic growth and development across the country, ensuring that all Kenyans benefit from the mineral wealth in their respective regions.
Growth of the Kenyan Mineral & Mining Sector
Kenya’s mining industry has been gaining momentum in recent years, with the discovery of significant mineral deposits across the country.
Previously not recognized for its mineral wealth, Kenya has emerged as a promising hub for various valuable minerals, sparking interest and investment in the industry.
Among the noteworthy minerals found in Kenya is titanium, with the Kwale Mineral Sands Project standing out as a significant player in the global market.
Gold deposits, primarily concentrated in the western region, particularly the Nyanza greenstone belts of Western Kenya, have also attracted attention from mining companies like Acacia Mining.
Also Read: Price & Uses of Precious Mineral Discovered in Kenya
The company’s exploration efforts have led to the identification of a maiden resource of 1.31 million ounces at an impressive grade of 12.1 g/t within the Liranda Corridor.
Additionally, Kenya boasts significant potential in rare earth elements (REEs) and niobium, with the Mrima Hill deposit in Kwale County ranking among the top five rare earth deposits globally, with an estimated value exceeding $35 billion.
Other notable minerals in Kenya include soda ash, fluorspar, and a variety of gemstones, further underscoring the country’s diverse mineral wealth and its growing prominence in the mining industry.
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