China gets contract to scan for minerals in Kenya

Posted on : Tuesday , 23rd February 2016

Kenya has contracted a Chinese firm to carry out fresh mineral mapping at a cost of Sh7 billion.

The aerial survey is expected to compile a new geological map detailing the occurrence of minerals around the country, a step that is set to spur investment in the mining sector.

Mining Permanent Secretary Mohammed Mahmud said China has released funding for the project that could start in June.

“Our aim is to locate the minerals and determine the quantities. At the moment, we do not know for sure how much we have,” Mr Mahmud said, adding that China would provide the funding and the technical support.

Kenya’s geological survey — the map showing how different substances, including soil, are distributed — was last done in the 1950s by the British government. That map shows the occurrence of more than 100 minerals, including gold, tsavorite and rubies, which are among the priciest rocks in the world.

However, recent innovations and technologies have enhanced capabilities to better map the minerals and hopefully attract investments from the private sector.

Only 4 per cent of Kenya’s minerals have been located and mined, according to official estimates from the ministry, prompting the need for a clear study to inform prospective investments.

In the survey projected to be completed in five years, the specialised airborne system, which uses ultraviolet or infrared light, will image every inch of the country.

The imaging captures all objects, including metals, rocks and other chemical substances.

Mahmud said the airborne scanning would be executed by a Chinese contractor called Geological Explorations Technologies.

Kenya is betting big on largely unexplored natural resources, projecting that the Sh42 billion industry could grow more than five-fold and help create thousands of jobs.