Kenya’s mining ambitions raise fears for farms and ancestral graves
A technical committee is weighing five proposals as residents and civil society groups question transparency, compensation and protections for a sacred forest.
- Mining Minister Hassan Joho told The Associated Press earlier this week that a technical committee is evaluating five proposals for the Mrima Hill project, with an announcement expected within two to three weeks.
- Targeting valuable niobium and rare earth elements, Kenya aims to increase mining's contribution to gross domestic product from about 1% to 10% within a decade, positioning Mrima Hill as part of broader economic expansion.
- Justus Mwero, chairman of the Mrima Farm Owners Community-Based Organization representing about 500 registered farmers, said communities have not been informed about the process. "We don't know how people are going to be looked after, or what impact the project will have," Mwero said.
- The Centre for Litigation Trust, a Kenyan civil society group, challenged the agreement in the High Court in Kwale on June 22, seeking to suspend implementation until residents are consulted; a ruling on the government's objection is scheduled for November 6.
- Under the Mining Act, license holders must sign community development agreements with residents before mining begins. Bidders include Australian company RareX, Iluka Resources, and Nasdaq-listed Critical Metals Corp, which submitted technical and financial proposals in October.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Kenya's mining ambitions raise fears for farms and ancestral grav
MRIMA, Kenya (AP) — Farmers fear losing the land that feeds them. Community elders worry about damage to a forest where their ancestors are buried. Both are demanding answers about Kenya’s plans to mine valuable minerals beneath
Kenya’s mining ambitions raise fears for farms and ancestral graves – WTOP News
MRIMA, Kenya (AP) — Farmers fear losing the land that feeds them. Community elders worry about damage to a forest where their ancestors are buried. Both are demanding answers about Kenya’s plans to mine valuable minerals beneath Mrima Hill, a forested area rich in niobium and rare earth elements. The proposed development comes as countries...
Winnipeg Free Press
Kenya’s mining ambitions raise fears for farms and ancestral graves
MRIMA, Kenya (AP) — Farmers fear losing the land that feeds them. Community elders worry about damage to a forest where their ancestors are buried. Both are demanding answers about Kenya's plans to mine valuable minerals beneath Mrima Hill, a forested area rich in niobium and rare earth elements.
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