The Democratic Republic of Congo has long held a significant share, over 70%, of global coltan reserves, a rare mineral crucial for manufacturing electric car batteries, mobile phones, and various electronic devices. This abundance has historically fueled violent conflicts in the eastern part of the country. Recently, Kenya has announced the discovery of coltan deposits within its borders, although the extent of these deposits remains unclear.
Kenya’s Minister for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Salim Mvurya, officially declared the presence of coltan reserves in the country, with deposits identified in six different counties. While the mineral’s value is yet to be determined, Mvurya mentioned plans to assess its economic significance through ground truthing.
Residents in one of the counties, Embu County in eastern Kenya, where coltan reserves were found, have been advised to retain their land, as the mineral discovery could have significant economic implications. Mvurya expressed optimism that the coltan discovery would lead to job creation and the expansion of Kenya’s mining industry.
Currently contributing less than 1% to Kenya’s GDP, the mining sector holds the potential, according to the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), to contribute up to 10%. Coltan, when refined into metallic tantalum, is used to produce heat-resistant powder for capacitors in electronic devices. The international demand for coltan is rising rapidly, and its price depends on the tantalum content, averaging $48 (£37) per kilogram, as reported by Forbes.
The presence of coltan has played a crucial role in conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with rival militias vying for control of mines producing coltan and other valuable minerals. DR Congo, alongside Rwanda, stands as one of the world’s leading coltan suppliers.
