Coltan discovery: Kenya's new frontier in mining

Kenya has made a breakthrough in the mining sector after discovering large amounts of coltan, a precious mineral used in the production of electrical goods. The material, known for its use in the production of electric car batteries, smartphones, and laptops, has the potential to revolutionise Kenya's economy and create new jobs.

Coltan is a rare metallic mineral found mostly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has the majority of the world's reserves. It is extremely popular internationally, with demand soaring in recent years.

The DRC controls more than 70 per cent of the world's coltan reserves, which have long fueled violent strife in the country's east. The violent fighting over coltan mining in the eastern areas of htat country has encouraged Kenya to explore its reserves.

"It is now official. We have coltan deposits in the country and would like to see how we can inspire investors," stated Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.

The actual extent and economic worth of Kenya's coltan reserves is yet to be determined but Mvurya said in Embu that exploration teams would undertake extensive studies to determine the mineral's potential.

"We will set up laboratories in eight regions to examine samples and declare the quality of minerals found in each region," he said.

Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya at the site of the discovery of coltan deposits in Embu County on January 24, 2024. (Photo: Mining CS Salim Mvurya)

Benefits for locals

The discovery has already aroused excitement in local communities, especially in Embu, where one of the deposits was discovered.

Mbeere South MP Nebart Muriuki urged villagers not to sell their land, highlighting the potential for long-term benefits.

Mvurya shared these thoughts, noting that the discovery was expected to boost economic growth and create jobs in the mining industry.

According to the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), mining has the potential to raise its contribution to 10 per cent of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from its current level of less than 1 per cent.

Apart from economic prosperity, the coltan finding adds Kenya to the list of countries benefiting from mineral extraction.

Rwanda, a neighbouring country, has emerged as a key supplier of coltan and gold, with a mining industry valued at $150 billion. Kenya's newly discovered coltan reserves can support a vibrant mining industry and put the country on a similar economic trajectory.

The price of coltan varies depending on how much tantalum it contains, but Forbes reports that a kilogramme of the rare commodity costs $48 (Sh7,680).

Members of the public and government officials at the site of the discovery of coltan deposits in Embu County on January 24, 2024. (Photo: Mining CS Salim Mvurya)

Huge potential

As international demand for coltan grows, Kenya's exploration and use of its own sources has the potential to help stabilise global prices.

Kenya's coltan finding is not only an important milestone for the country, but also demonstrates its ability to contribute to the global technology industry.

The country has the potential to play an important role in guaranteeing a constant supply of coltan while encouraging ethical and sustainable mining techniques by minimising its reliance on conflict-affected areas.

The government's dedication to boosting the mining industry is demonstrated by its plans to hire more people and construct decentralised laboratories for extensive mineral testing.

These endeavours seek to streamline the mining process and entice both domestic and foreign businesses to exploit Kenya's newly discovered mineral wealth responsibly and sustainably.

The CS, accompanied by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, vowed to hunt unlicensed miners in the business.