Kenya is a hub for rare world class minerals, cementing its place as a global leader in mineral extractin and a hotspot for international mining companies. New minerals deposits are discovered every year, filled with valuable minerals whose potentials could be harnessed and contribute massively to the country’s GDP.
A survey in 2023 found that Kenya is rich in over 970 valuable minerals, and the government has embarked on a ground truthing exercise to determine mining reserves in different counties. With this, county governments will start issuing permits to mining companies and hence expedite the harnessing of remunerative potential of the deposits.
Here are some of the most valuable minerals found in the country:
Soda Ash
Mined at Lake Magadi in the Rift Valley, soda ash is Kenya’s most prevalent mineral, and the region is Africa’s largest producer. Soda Ash is one of Kenya’s leading exports with an annual production of about 360,000 metric tonnes. The mineral, also known as sodium bicarbonate has a variety of uses in different industries including:
1. Glass Manufacturing: It’s a key ingredient in the production of glass, helping to lower the melting point of silica.
2. Detergents and Soaps :Soda ash is used as a water softener in laundering, soda ash helps detergents to lather more effectively.
3. Chemicals: Soda ash acts as a raw material in the production of various sodium compounds and other chemicals.
4. Metallurgy: The mineral is used in the processing of ores and the production of certain metals.
5. Pulp and Paper: Sodium Bicarbonate helps in the pulping process and the neutralization of acidic waste streams.
6. Water Treatment: Soda ash is used to soften water by removing calcium and magnesium ions.
7. Food Industry: Baking soda functions as a pH regulator, anti-caking agent, and stabilizer in some food products.
Fluorspar
Kenya has historically been a notable producer of fluorspar, primarily from the Kerio Valley in the western part of the country. The Kenya Fluorspar Company was the main entity involved in mining and processing fluorspar since 1971. However, production has fluctuated over the years due to various factors such as market conditions, operational challenges, and regulatory changes.
At its peak, the country produced around 120,000 metric tonnes annually. However, the company ceased production in 2016 due to a dip in global prices and operational challenges. Efforts to revive the industry are ongoing, including a deal to restart mining operations with an investment of KShs 4.8 billion (approximately USD 34 million) by Soy-Fujax Mining Company.
Diatomite
Kenya is a mass producer of diatomite, mainly returned from Gilgil town in Nakuru County. It is mined by the Africa Diatomite Industries Limited (ADIL) that has been in operation since 1942.
DIL has access to good quality diatomite deposits estimated at over 6 million tonnes and currently boasts of having the only known viable quality deposits of Diatomite in Kenya.
Diatomite has a high porosity, and is used in making filters, absorbents, insulators and is a natural insecticide.
Gold
Gold is found in several areas mainly located in the Western region of the country. The highly-coveted mineral primarily occurs in regions such as Kakamega, Migori, and the Turkana Basin, with mining companies like Shanta Gold playing a significant role in the sector.
Kenya’s gold production has been on the rise as every year new deposits are discovered, increasing the amount in kilograms collected from the mining sites. In fact, in 2024, the Ministry of Mining announced that 28 new sites were earmarked for exploration at the Eldoret-Busia border.
Kenya produces approximately 565 kilograms (0.565 metric tonnes) of gold every year as exploration intensifies to increase production and expand the industry.
Salt
Salt mining is prevalent in the Coast, harvested in pans located in the Marereni region. The industry is highly lucrative, with high demand for commercial and domestic purposes. Mining companies including Kensalt and Malindi Salt are the key players in the sector. The industry contributes to employment and regional developments in the areas neighbouring the deposits.
Limestone
Limestone is a major contributor to Kenya’s economy and is mined in areas like Athi River and Bamburi. The mineral is relied on heavily for cement production. Kenya produces around 3 million to 4 million tonnes of limestones annually, contributing greatly to the GDP over its extensive use in making raw materials for commercial and industrial construction.
Rare Earth Minerals
Kenya is rich in rare minerals including copper, graphite, manganese, iron ore, coltan, base metals, nickel chromite, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, uranium, thorium, nickel-cobalt.
The Ministry of Mining in 2023 announced that these minerals were found in deposits located in 15 counties including Kitui, Embu, Tana River, Kilifi, Isiolo, Makueni, Taita-Taveta and Kwale in the Coast, and in Homa Bay, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi and Kericho in Western region.
These rare minerals contribute significantly to Kenya’s economy and are a focal point for both local and international investment in the mining sector.
