How Kenya can harness the power of its rare earths

Kenya has the potential to become a key global player in the rare earth elements (REE) market. Exploration of valuable mineral deposits at Mrima Hill in Kwale County, valued at $62.4 billion, has the potential to change the country’s position in the global modern technology supply chain.

Even though these minerals were discovered back in 1919, they remain largely untapped, but with growing global demand for rare metals and other important minerals that underpin green technologies, Kenya must seize this opportunity to reveal the riches that lie beneath its soil.

Rare earth elements are essential for modern technologies, from smartphones and electric vehicle batteries to renewable energy systems such as wind turbines and solar panels. As industries around the world focus on sustainability, the demand for rare elements is growing rapidly.

Although these elements are not truly rare, they are quite difficult and expensive to mine because they exist in low concentrations in the Earth’s crust. This positions Kenya, with its significant reserves, as a potentially vital supplier to the world.

Kenya’s niobium reserves, a critical material used to make high-strength steel for the aerospace, automotive and construction industries, are of strategic importance to the country.

Mrima Hill alone contains one of the world’s largest deposits of niobium, but for over a century these reserves remained untapped.

The failure to tap into these resources was due to a combination of factors. Historical tensions between local communities, the government and foreign mining companies have created a climate of mistrust.

The lack of cohesion hampered progress, preventing any significant commercial exploitation of the deposits. Moreover, Kenya’s regulatory framework often does not provide the necessary clarity and security to attract serious investment or ensure that mining is conducted in a sustainable and community-benefiting manner.

However, global demand for REEs and related minerals is growing due to the shift to clean energy solutions and an ever-increasing reliance on technology.

The recent discovery of coltan deposits in several counties in Kenya further strengthens the country’s mineral portfolio, as coltan-refined tantalum is needed to make products ranging from mobile phones to electric vehicle batteries.

These minerals are critical to the future of both the technology and renewable energy sectors, putting Kenya in a strong position to become a leading supplier if it can overcome its historical challenges.

To fully realize this potential, Kenya must adopt a multifaceted approach that considers both the past and the future. Strengthening the regulatory framework will be key. Clear and transparent policies that ensure that both investors and local communities benefit from mining activities are essential.

This will attract the partnerships needed to grow the industry while protecting Kenya’s ecosystems.

Countries such as Australia and Canada, which have successfully developed powerful REE industries, offer valuable lessons on how to balance environmental sustainability and economic growth. Kenya must ensure that its mineral wealth is not exploited at the expense of its natural resources or its people.

Global partnerships, especially with experienced mining countries, will also enable Kenya to adopt best practices in mining and environmental conservation. By joining forces with global leaders in sustainable mining, Kenya can avoid the pitfalls that many resource-rich countries have faced, where short-term gains have led to long-term environmental degradation and economic inequality.

Moreover, developing local infrastructure and services in mining regions will be critical to ensuring that the wealth generated from these resources benefits the wider population.

The jobs created in these areas can boost the local economy, helping to improve education, health care and overall living standards. This balanced approach ensures that wealth from mining is not concentrated in a few hands, but 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 overcome historical barriers and ensure that future mining activities are carried out in a sustainable, equitable and transparent manner.

Kenya’s mineral wealth could help the country diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors such as agriculture and tourism and become a major player in global technology and renewable energy markets.

By prioritizing sustainable development and fostering strong international partnerships, Kenya has a chance to not only supply the world with critical materials, but also stimulate innovation and long-term economic growth.

Nyode is a mining engineer and a member of the Kenya Society of Mining Engineers. (email protected)