Embu County is set for significant economic transformation due to confirmed deposits of coltan and other strategic minerals by the Ministry of Mining.
Cabinet Secretary (CS) 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 for digital and industrial development as well as the 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, CS Joho noted that geological records and exploration 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 had identified multiple coltan occurrence sites in Kaumu in Mbeere South Constituency as well as Kianguguru and Gatue in Mbeere North Constituency” said Joho.
He noted that there were noted that there were prospects of copper, zinc, silver, gold and rare earth elements, 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,” he 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, positioning Embu as an emerging mineral hub in Eastern Kenya.
Coltan, a grey black mineral in its pure form, has gained importance during the Electronic Age as it is a 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.
State 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 into inclusive growth and long term prosperity for the people of Embu.
The discovery and confirmation of these mineral occurrences firmly position Embu County as an emerging strategic mineral host county and a key contributor to Kenya’s industrialization 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.
Mining ministry then launched the verification exercise that would enable the government to start the concession process for the in-demand mineral. Coltan was discovered in Embu and five other counties after an aerial geo-survey of the whole country.
