Kenya to map mineral resources

Kenya is set to embark on large scale mapping across the country in a bid to help identify location and size of new mineral deposits. Newly-appointed Mining Cabinet Secretary  Dan Kazungu says in-depth geological surveys will help in providing ‘objective geological expertise and information’ about the country’s diverse mineral resources and ‘what the economics of mining these resources may be’.

Mr Kazungu said this during a tour of the $350 million (Sh36 billion) Kwale Mineral Sands mines, part of the Base Titanium mines in Kwale County. Kazungu was taken on a tour of the Sh400 million Port loading facility located at Likoni which is exclusively for exports of titanium products. The CS said there was need to develop maps and other data products to assist government agencies, mining companies, consultants and the public in recognising, developing and protecting important mineral resources. “The government is not here to frustrate you. In fact we want other potential mining firms to follow suit just like the way Base Titanium has done,’’ he said.