Kenya prepares for coltan boom

Kenya's mining industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the recent discovery of coltan minerals in six counties. Charles Komen, Chairman of the Mining Committee at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shed light on the exciting prospects for the country's mining sector on CNBC Africa. The six counties identified for potential coltan mining opportunities are Embu, Meru, Tanariva, West Pokot, Samburu, and Tulukana. These areas have a history of exploration activities dating back to the pre-colonial era, with past indications of coltan presence. In 2019, the government launched the National Airborne Geophysical Survey, which pinpointed these regions as promising for coltan extraction. Currently, the focus is on ground truthing to confirm the mineral deposits. Komen highlighted the importance of robust operational policies to ensure effective coltan mining in Kenya. The Mining Act of 2016 laid the foundation for regulating the sector and promoting mining activities. Subsequently, a moratorium was imposed in 2019 to conduct nationwide surveys for mineral assessment. The government's commitment to supporting the mining industry through policy frameworks is expected to drive growth and revenue generation. The Mining Act of 2016 encompasses licensing, prospecting, mineral dealership, and royalty sharing mechanisms. It includes provisions for critical minerals, such as coltan, requiring engagement with the National Mining Corporation for extraction. The Act also stipulates a revenue-sharing model between the national government, county governments, and local communities in mining regions. Recent amendments to the Act aim to streamline gemstone mining, mineral trading, and fee structures to boost the sector's contribution to the GDP. Kenya targets a tenfold increase in the mining industry's GDP contribution from 1% to 10%, equating to approximately $11 billion, over the next decade. The proposed legislative changes aim to propel the sector towards this ambitious goal and enhance economic growth. With the discovery of coltan in strategic locations, Kenya's mining landscape is primed for a period of rapid development and economic prosperity. The government's proactive measures and supportive policies signal a promising future for the nation's burgeoning coltan mining industry.