KENYA NIOBIUM DEPOSITS ENOUGH TO PAY QUARTER OF EXTERNAL LOANS BUT REMAIN BURIED FOR OVER 100YRS

#project #nationaldebt #loan
In October 2020, an article in the Sunday Nation Smart Company magazine highlighted the untapped niobium deposits in #Mrima Hills, #Kwale County, which have remained unexploited for 93 years. The headline pointed to a complex battle for control over one of the world's largest niobium and #rareearth deposits, with the local community caught in the middle as a pawn.
#Niobium, a high-value metal crucial for manufacturing high-performance steels used in aerospace, automotive, and energy industries, was first discovered in Mrima #Hills nearly a century ago. Despite its potential economic benefits, valued at approximately Sh250 billion, these deposits remain unexploited due to suspicion, bad blood, and government indecisiveness.
Niobium is a grey metallic element known for its corrosion resistance, high melting point, and critical applications in #steel production, #superalloys, electronics, and medical devices. It enhances the strength and durability of steel, making it essential for various high-tech and industrial applications.
Mrima Hill, located in #KwaleCounty, has been identified as one of the top five regions globally for rare earth deposits. According to reports from #CortecMiningKenya Limited, the area holds niobium deposits estimated at 680 million kilograms, worth around Sh4.59 trillion. This positions Kenya as a potential major player in the global niobium market.
Cortec Mining #Kenya Limited was involved in exploring and planning the extraction of niobium at Mrima Hill. However, their operations were halted when the Kenyan government revoked their mining license in 2013, citing procedural irregularities and non-compliance with environmental regulations. This led to a prolonged legal battle, with Cortec and its associated companies seeking compensation for the revoked license. The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (#ICSID) ultimately ruled in favor of Kenya, reaffirming the decision to revoke the license.
The exploitation of niobium in Mrima Hills must consider the interests of the local community, who have historical and cultural ties to the land. It is essential to ensure that the community benefits from the economic opportunities created by mining activities. Additionally, environmental concerns, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination, must be addressed through strict regulatory compliance and sustainable mining practices.
The extraction of niobium also has the potential to create social tensions and conflicts, particularly if local communities feel marginalized. Transparent processes, fair distribution of benefits, and active community engagement are crucial to maintaining social harmony.
While the economic potential of #niobium deposits is immense, potentially helping to clear Kenya's national #debt and fund development projects, some argue that leaving the deposits untapped might be more beneficial. This perspective emphasizes preserving the natural environment and avoiding social and environmental pitfalls.
While the niobium deposits in #MrimaHills present a significant opportunity for economic development in Kenya, their exploitation must balance community interests, environmental sustainability, and social equity to ensure long-term benefits for all stakeholders

[@abdulhakimhasan7673]

I'm from kenya coast , experienced coltan and niobium miner. I realized mining these minerals scarcely in Uganda , but extraordinarily plenty in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Congo Drc.

[@abdulhakimhasan7673]

Titanium and Rare Earth minerals are available in Mrima Hills , Kwale in the Kenyan coast. The villagers need government's license for it's bulk haulage , grading , purity and sale. In contrast to niobium mineral , which is sold locally in kilograms.

[@abdulhakimhasan7673]

The Niobium mineral has got a terrain that I can smell , by God's grace.

[@Spuidward.]

Without stealing

[@kiamzmurugu7295]

Amazing info on Niobium. You should do tsavorite and the other minerals in Kenya . Lastly, your conclusion needs work.

[@stuffworksexplained3901]

Thanks. I will cover it soon. On conclusion, noticed there are parts that cut out, will do sth about it.

[@abdulhakimhasan7673]

When the mineral is there , you find the villagers offering it for sale.

[@stuffworksexplained3901]

I am not worried of villagers but "cartels" who might be mining it without our knowledge.

[@abdulhakimhasan7673]

@@stuffworksexplained3901I was permitted and given export license to ship big tonnage of Tantalito and Niobium minerals from Mozambique to South Africa.

[@abdulhakimhasan7673]

@@stuffworksexplained3901Mining activities is instant straightforward. You acquire a mining license and export license. The rare earth soil specimen of good quality is sent to indian or chinese companies for geniune market price , finally you shovel truck shipment in bulk tonnage by sea.