Hope as Kenya discovers coltan deposits used for making electronics

While speaking at Ntharawe village in Kiambere in Embu county when he visited for the mineral truthing exercise,  Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Sam Mvurya said the government was now strategizing and looking for investors so that they can start extracting the minerals for export.

CS Mvurya's visit to Ntharawe mineral deposits comes against the backdrop of the National Geophysical Survey which was concluded last year and which located 970 mineral occurrences in the country.

Mvurya said the mining sector has had many challenges where investments in mining have not been made saying now the government was committed to reviving the sector.The CS stated that they will work together with the county governments to streamline the entire artisanal mining.

The former Kwale governor noted that other counties with such deposits include Kitui,Samburu,Turkana,West Pokot and Tana River saying the government was assessing the mineral's economic impact that will bring in the country.

''We have coltan deposits in different parts of the country. What we are now looking for as a government are investors to explore this sector,'' he said.

Further, the Mining and Blue Economy CS stated that when the mining exercise kicks off, many young people will secure employment opportunities in the areas where these deposits are located.

In order to fast track the mineral testing across the country, the Cabinet Secretary said the government will set up mineral testing laboratories in eight regions to ascertain the real minerals for each county.

''I have spoken with my PS and we shall set up regional laboratories to have a clear test of the quality of minerals found in a particular area,'' said Mvurya when he addressed locals in Ntharawe.

Embu county chief Ms Cecily Mbarire said the minerals would in a big way change the economy of the county since 20 per cent of the mineral income will go to the county with 10 per cent going to the local residents.

She however urged the government to weed out unlicensed miners who she said were misusing the locals .

''These illegal miners should be dealt with accordingly and blacklisted. We need to deal with the licensed miners,'' said governor Mbarire.

Member of Parliament from Mbeere South constituency Eng. Nebert Muriuki called on the locals not to be lured to sell off their land since they may lose a lot of money. "I want to call on you locals, do not sell your land. You may sell it now and tomorrow after testing it has coltan. How shall you have benefited?,'' he questioned.