Kenya discovers very rare coltan deposits, conflict-linked mineral used in phones, laptops

Kenya has announced the discovery of its first deposits of the valuable mineral coltan, a priceless component with special electrical qualities that is used in the manufacture of electric car batteries, smartphones, laptops, and other electronic and communication devices.

A substantial amount of the precious mineral was found at least in six Kenyan counties across the country at a time the current administration plans to focus on the mining sector, to expand it, and in the process to create more jobs, Salim Mvurya, Kenya’s Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary, has said.

“It is now official. We have coltan deposits in the country and we want to see how we can inspire the investors,” the minister said on Wednesday (24 January). It has not been immediately clear how large the coltan deposits found in Kenya are and, according to Mvurya, the Kenyan government is currently in the process of evaluating the mineral’s economic worth.

Coltan has primarily been sourced from a fellow East African country, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that holds more than 70% of the world’s coltan reserves. The reserves have for decades fueled violent conflict in the east of the country.

Residents of one county in Eastern Kenya have now been advised to hold onto their land. “A precious mineral has been found here and if you want to benefit you should not sell your land,” Nebart Muriuki, an MP from the county, was quoted as saying.

Mining accounts for less than 1% of Kenya’s GDP but has the potential to contribute up to 10%, according to the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).