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How Kenya can tap power of its rare earth elements
Unidentified man tries to climb on a bulldozer abandoned at Kaya Mrima where the niobium minerals that have led explores to the natural reserves and sacred forests at Kaya Mrima hills.
Kenya has the potential to become a key global player in the rare earth elements (REEs) market. The exploration of valuable mineral deposits at Mrima Hill in Kwale County, estimated to be worth $62.4 billion, has the potential transform the country's position in the global supply chain for modern technologies.
Despite being found as early as 1919, these minerals remain largely untapped, but with growing global demand for rare metals and other critical minerals that power green technologies, Kenya must seize this chance to unlock the wealth beneath its soil.
Rare earth elements are essential for modern technology, from smartphones and electric vehicle batteries to renewable energy systems like wind turbines and solar panels. As industries around the world pivot towards sustainability, the demand for the rare elements is skyrocketing.
While these elements are not truly rare, their extraction is quite challenging and costly, as they exist in low concentrations in the Earth's crust. This positions Kenya, with its significant deposits, as a potentially vital supplier to the world.
Kenya's reserves of niobium, a critical material used to produce high-strength steel for aerospace, automotive, and in construction industries is significant to the country's strategic importance.
Mrima Hill alone holds one of the world's largest niobium deposits, and yet, for more than a century, these reserves have remained unexploited.
The failure to tap into these resources has stemmed from a combination of factors. Historical tensions between local communities, the government, and foreign mining companies have created a climate of mistrust.
This lack of cohesion has hindered progress, preventing any significant commercial exploitation of the deposits. Furthermore, Kenya's regulatory framework has often fallen short in providing the necessary clarity and security to attract serious investment or ensure that mining is done in a sustainable, community-benefiting way.
Yet the global demand for REEs and associated minerals is growing driven by the shift to green energy solutions and the ever-increasing reliance on technology.
Recent discoveries of coltan deposits across several counties in Kenya further bolsters the country’s mineral portfolio, as tantalum—refined from coltan—is essential for products ranging from mobile phones to electric vehicle batteries.
These minerals are crucial to the future of both the tech industry and the renewable energy sector, placing Kenya in a prime position to become a leading supplier if it can overcome its historical challenges.
To fully realise this potential, Kenya must adopt a multi-faceted approach that looks at both the past and future. Strengthening its regulatory frameworks will be key. Clear, transparent policies that ensure both investors and local communities benefit from mining activities are essential.
This would attract the kind of partnerships needed to develop the industry while protecting Kenya’s ecosystems.
Countries such as Australia and Canada, which have successfully built robust REE industries, offer valuable lessons on how to balance environmental sustainability with economic growth. Kenya must ensure that its mineral wealth is not exploited at the expense of its natural resources or its people.
Global partnerships, particularly with experienced mining nations, will also allow Kenya to adopt best practices in extraction and environmental conservation. By aligning with global leaders in sustainable mining, Kenya can avoid the pitfalls that many resource-rich countries have faced, where short-term gains led to long-term environmental degradation and economic inequality.
Moreover, the development of local infrastructure and services in mining regions will be crucial to ensuring that wealth generated from these resources benefits the broader population.
Jobs created in these areas can spur local economies, driving improvements in education, healthcare, and overall living standards. This balanced approach will ensure that the wealth from mining is not concentrated in a few hands but instead contributes to national development.
As the world moves towards greener technologies and sustainable energy solutions, the demand for these materials will only increase. Kenya is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in this global transition. However, success will depend on the country’s ability to address historical barriers and ensure that future mining activities are conducted sustainably, equitably, and transparently.
Kenya’s mineral wealth has the potential to help the country diversify its economy, moving beyond traditional sectors such as agriculture and tourism to become a major player in the global tech and renewable energy markets.
By prioritising sustainability and fostering strong international partnerships, Kenya has the chance to not only supply the world with critical materials but also drive innovation and long-term economic growth.
Njode is a Mining Engineer and a Member of the Mining Engineer’s Society of Kenya. [email protected]
