Embu County is in central Kenya is bracing for rapid economic transformation following the confirmation of deposits of coltan, copper, gold and other rare earth minerals by the ministry of mining.

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Ali Hassan Joho said Embu was among few counties identified by the Government of Kenya as hosting strategic minerals critical to digital and industrial development, besides global energy transition.

Speaking during a high-level consultative meeting with county leadership led by Governor Cecily Mbarire and other stakeholders at the Kenya School of Government Embu Campus, Joho noted that geological records and exploration have confirmed the presence of columbite and tantalite collectively known as coltan.

He also said other mineral deposits including copper, graphite, mica, aquamarine, rare earth elements and various construction and industrial minerals were discovered in the area

“Geological mapping has identified multiple coltan occurrence sites in Kaumu in Mbeere South Constituency as well as Kianguguru and Gatue in Mbeere North Constituency,” the cabinet secretary said.

He noted that there are prospects of copper, zinc, silver, gold and rare earth minerals, particularly in the lower parts of Embu County.

“With coltan mining in Embu, we expect increased job creation, growth of local enterprises, improved infrastructure, enhanced revenue for both levels of government, and expansion of opportunities for our youth and skilled professionals,” the ministry said.

He reported that coltan was a highly strategic and valued mineral used in the manufacture of electronic devices, renewable energy technologies and advanced industrial applications, which positions Embu as an emerging mineral hub in Kenya.

Coltan, a grey black mineral in its pure form, has gained importance during the Electronic Age as it is major raw material in the manufacture of mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices. On her part, Governor Mbarire welcomed the development, terming it a historic opportunity for economic transformation.

She reiterated the county’s commitment to working closely with the national government to ensure responsible mining practices, environmental protection, community participation and maximum local benefits.

“This is a game changer for Embu. We are ready to collaborate with the national government to ensure that mineral exploration and eventual mining create jobs for our people, stimulate local businesses and uplift communities where they are found,” the Governor said.

Department for Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimutai affirmed that proper regulatory frameworks, community engagement and sustainable mining practices will guide the process to ensure that the exploitation of strategic minerals translates to inclusive growth and long term prosperity for the people of Embu.

The discovery and confirmation of these mineral occurrences positions Embu County as an emerging strategic mineral host county and a key contributor to Kenya’s industrialisation and energy transition agenda.

The county government gave the ministry the go-ahead to initiate the process of tender advertisement for prospective investors.

Two years ago, a multi-agency team of experts was deployed at Kiangangaru Village in Kiambere ward of Embu County to assess the quality, quantity and extent of coltan deposits in the area.

The then Mining, Blue Economy and Marine Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurìa launched the verification exercise promising that the exercise would enable the government to start the concessioning process for the in-demand mineral.

Mvuria said the coltan was discovered in Embu and five other counties after an aerial geo-survey of the whole country.

• A Tell Media / KNA report /  Samuel Waiaitu

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Ali Hassan Joho handing over copies of Mining Act to Embu County officials led by Governor Cecily Mbarire (next to him)

Coltan rocks found in Kiangangaru Village in Kiambere Ward of Embu County.