Kenya Discovers 28 Sites Of Gold And Other Minerals
Kenya’s mining landscape is about to change dramatically, as government officials reveal a wealth of mineral deposits in the country’s western regions.
The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs has identified 28 promising sites ranging from Bongoma to Eldoret that are rich in gold, limestone, phosphates, and other critical base metals used in the construction and industrial sectors.
This could provide President William Ruto’s government with critical revenues, given the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024, which sought to raise Ksh346 billion.
FLUOSPAR, KEIYO SOUTH, ELGEYO MARAKWET
— PS Mining Kenya (@psmining_ke) June 30, 2024
In another major first for the Mining Sector, @MiBeMa_2022 officially handed over the site for the Fluospar Processing Plant in @ElgeyoMarakwetC in a move that will see the silent valleys, hills and villages of Kimwarer awaken to the pic.twitter.com/oEcV1wiw49
Martine Yaki, Principal Superintendent of Geology at the Mining State Department, confirmed the discoveries, predicting an economic boom in the traditionally agrarian Western and Rift Valley counties.
Despite contributing less than 1% of Kenya’s GDP, mining has the potential to grow significantly, possibly to 10%, as projected by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
New discoveries suggest that gold reserves, which have historically been modest, may be about to increase.
However, the government did not specify how much money Kenya could make from the deposits.
The Treasury reports a significant contribution of Ksh120.3 billion from mining and quarrying in 2023 alone, demonstrating the sector’s economic potential.
Earlier breakthroughs, such as the discovery of Colton reserves earlier this year, raised expectations for Kenya’s burgeoning mining sector.
The most recent discoveries are the result of extensive aerial surveys conducted across the country, which identified these valuable mineral-rich sites.
Mt. Elgon, Bongoma Town, Kama’et, and Minanga Lupida are now gaining attention for their promising phosphate, manganese, limestone, silver, and zinc reserves.
“This discovery transcends administrative boundaries,” noted officials, highlighting the complexity and regional significance of the findings.
Gold, base metals, and limestone phosphates are of particular interest in Bungoma County, while pure gold deposits have been discovered in Lupida Nanga, Busia County.
Meanwhile, the Mt. Elgon region is a mineral treasure trove, with phosphates, manganese, limestone, silver, and zinc in abundance.
Last week, CS Mvurya reopened the Fluorspar Mines in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Kenya Discovers 28 Sites Of Gold And Other Minerals
