Kenya to revive fluorspar mining
Kenya is set to revive fluorspar mining. Elijah Mwangi, Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Mining revealed the plans and said the move aligns with the department’s strategy to attract strategic investors to exploit Kenya’s mineral resources.
The Kenya Fluorspar Company closed up shop more than 10 years ago due to a slump in global fluorspar prices. The exit of the Kenya Fluorspar Company had left South Africa and Morocco as the only countries in Africa engaged in flourspar mining.
Benefits
The revival is slated to take place Kimwarer in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Soy-Fujax Mining Company sealed a deal with the National Government to pump in KSh4.8 billion for the development. The PS anticipates revenue generation for both national and county governments, along with the creation of hundreds of direct jobs for residents. Additionally, community-benefiting programs are planned under the Community Development Agreement Committee (CDAC) as per the Mining Act 2016.
Fluorspar is used in various industries, including refrigerants, insulating foams, and ceramics. Geological studies on the fluorspar resource in Kimwarer in Elgeyo Marakwet show significant deposits of the mineral that can last for over 20 years. The mining company is estimated to have a production capacity of 80,000 tons in the first five years of operation before gradually increasing the production capacity to 100,000 tons within 15 to 20 years of operations.
