Kenya's mining plans spark concerns over land and heritage

Residents near Mrima Hill, a forested area rich in niobium and rare earth elements, are concerned about the potential impact of mining on their farms and a sacred forest where ancestors are buried. Community leaders say they have received little information about the project and its potential consequences.

Kenya’s Mining Minister Hassan Joho stated that a technical committee is evaluating five proposals for the Mrima Hill project, with an announcement expected within two to three weeks. The ministry has not disclosed the nationalities of the bidders, though an Australian company, RareX, has submitted a proposal.

The Digo community, which includes the sacred kaya forest, has expressed strong opposition to any mining activities that could disturb ancestral graves. Community leaders say they will not allow any digging of the hill, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.

Farmers fear that relocation due to mining could result in less productive land, threatening their livelihoods. Some residents without formal land ownership documents worry about being vulnerable to land grabbing. The government has stated it will consult with the community once a company is selected for the project.

A civil society group, the Centre for Litigation Trust, has challenged a proposed Kenya-US agreement for the mineral development, arguing that the process lacked transparency and public participation. The government has not provided details on how the agreement relates to the tender process.

Residents and advocacy groups are calling for more information on the extraction methods and environmental impacts of the project. The National Environment Management Authority has not responded to questions about the approval process and environmental assessments.