Global powers’ US$62 billion rare earth hunt in Kenya stokes fear and division
From the US to China, countries target the Mrima Hill forest, as locals worry about exploitation and environmental damage
Division and suspicion have gripped five villages near Kenya’s coast as global powers from the United States to China eye a forest that is rich in rare earths – minerals vital to hi-tech and low-carbon industries.
The US government under President Donald Trump has made securing critical minerals central to its diplomacy in Africa, including through a peace deal in the resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo this year.
Mrima Hill, a forest of around 157 hectares (390 acres) near Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline, could be another target.
It sits quietly on huge rare earth deposits that Cortec Mining Kenya, a subsidiary of UK and Canada-based Pacific Wildcat Resources, estimated in 2013 were worth US$62.4 billion, including large stores of niobium, used to strengthen steel.
US official Marc Dillard visited the hill in June when he was serving as the interim ambassador to Kenya.
Other foreigners also attempted to visit in recent months, including Chinese nationals who were turned away, according to Juma Koja, a guard for the Mrima Hill community.