Africa is experiencing a surge in the discovery of its natural resources, signalling a pivotal role for the continent. In a recent development, Kenya has officially disclosed its inaugural findings of substantial coltan deposits, a valuable mineral widely employed in the production of electric car batteries, mobile phones, and various electronic devices.
The Democratic Republic of Congo presently dominates the global coltan market, holding over 70% of its reserves, historically contributing to violent conflicts in the eastern region of the country.
While the exact size of Kenya’s coltan deposits remains undisclosed, the mineral’s presence is deemed considerable and is currently undergoing a comprehensive quantification process.
Minister for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Salim Mvurya, confirmed the existence of coltan reserves in Kenya, dispelling previous speculations.
The mineral deposits have been identified in six counties nationwide, with the economic value yet to be ascertained. Minister Mvurya affirmed that ground-truthing activities would be undertaken to evaluate the economic potential of the mineral.
Residents of Embu County, one of the regions housing the mineral, have been advised to retain their land, as Nebart Muriuki, a local Member of Parliament, emphasised the economic benefits of possessing such a valuable resource.
The discovery is anticipated to generate employment opportunities and foster the expansion of Kenya’s mining sector. Although mining currently contributes less than 1% to Kenya’s GDP, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) suggests its potential to contribute up to 10%.
Coltan, when refined into metallic tantalum, becomes a heat-resistant powder crucial in capacitor production for electronic devices.
The global demand for coltan is escalating rapidly, with its market price contingent on tantalum content. On average, a kilogram of coltan fetches $48, according to Forbes.
The international demand for coltan has been identified as a key driver behind conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where rival militias vie for control over mines rich in coltan and other valuable minerals.
If the reported quantities prove to be significant, this discovery is poised to position Kenya as an economic leader. In the era of technology, such findings are pivotal for both the continent and the global community. Official reports on the quantities are eagerly awaited as this development unfolds.
