Kenya has announced the discovery of its first deposits of the strategic mineral coltan. Reserves have been found across six counties, with the full scope and value of the deposits yet to be confirmed.
The government is proceeding with ground evaluation in order “to assess the economic value of that particular mineral,” stated Kenya’s Minister of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Salim Mvurya.
He added that the discovery has the potential to contribute to job creation and the expansion of Kenya’s mining industry.
A crucial mineral used in manufacturing electronic devices and electric car batteries, coltan is expected to significantly impact Kenya’s economy. International demand for the mineral is growing rapidly and the discovery positions Kenya as a potential player in the global market.