Kenya’s Mining Cabinet Secretary Hon. Dan Kazungu will officially open the Kenya Mining Forum in Nairobi in September where the industry will discuss the country’s recently updated mining act and how it is expected to ease the way for investment into and development of the country’s burgeoning mining sector.
In an exclusive interview with the leading mining trade publication, Mining Review Africa, the Hon. Kazungu says he expects the country’s mining sector to grow significantly in the next ten years. He explains: “the government has recognised that the mining industry is a key pillar for growth and economic transformation and so we are preparing the country for the next big wave of mining activity. With just a handful of companies operating in the country, Kenya is an attractive mining destination which offers mining companies and investors vast opportunities to discover and tap into new Greenfield projects.” Minister Kazungu, a former MP who took up his new position in December 2015 adds: “tapping into potential untapped mineral wealth could lead to the establishment of a ‘new mining frontier’.”
Many of the stakeholders who were involved in updating the Mining Act over the past two years, including the Kenyan Chamber of Mines and its members and consultants such as Adam Smith International, are also featured speakers at the Kenya Mining Forum. Kenya’s mining potential
Kenya has a high mining potential and already ranks as the third largest producer of soda ash and the seventh producer of fluorspar in the world. The country is also very well known for gemstone mining, however, small scale miners dominate this industry. The government is attempting to facilitate artisanal activities within the country as they are responsible for over 60% of annual gemstone production.
With further exploration and implementation of the recently updated Mining Act, it is estimated that Kenya will have the capacity to position itself as a regional mining sector hub for Eastern Africa. The new legislation includes plans on principles of land policy, local content and environmental considerations, and rights to natural resources to name a few. It will attract investors and help make Kenya a mineral investment hub by providing transparency and good governance.
Kenya Mining Forum conference programme highlights include:
- Welcome address from the Ministry of Mines
Hon. Dan Kazungu, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Mining, Kenya
- Updated Mining Act: a sustainable model for growth in Kenya.
Guest keynotes:
- Professor Wainaina Gituro, Director General, Vision 2030, Kenya
- Moses Njeru, Chairman, Kenya Chamber of Mines, Kenya
- Dr. Evans Kidero, Governor, Nairobi County, Kenya
- Exploring Kenya’s diversity – what are the investment and economic development incentives supporting this promising industry?
Chairman: Professor Wainana Gituro, Director General, Vision 2030, Kenya
Understand the updated Mining Act – what is changing?
- Martin Ayisi, Mining Law Consultant, Adam Smith International, Kenya
- Mapping and showcasing Kenya’s potential to enhance a growing and sustainable mining sector
- Dr. Wako Wargute , Director, Directorate of Resource Survey and Remote Sensing (DRSRS), Kenya
What is the forecasted growth and contribution of the mining sector in Kenya’s economy?
- Jean Githinji, Senior Manager, Energy and Natural Resources, KPMG, Kenya
- Pius Rotich, General Manager, KenInvest, Kenya
- Phyllis Wakiaga, CEO, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya
Industry support
The Kenyan mining industry has already embraced the new Kenya Mining Forum with leading companies partnering with the event as sponsors. The diamond sponsor is Base Titanium, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australian and UK-listed resources company, Base Resources Limited, which runs its flagship development, Kwale Mineral Sands Project, in Kwale County, 50km south of Mombasa.
Other sponsors already on board are Afex, Conco, MTL, Socabelec and Vision Scientific Africa. The Kenya Chamber of Mines is also an industry partner.
The Kenya Mining Forum is organised by Spintelligent, a well-known trade conference and expo organiser on the continent, with particular expertise and experience in mining and infrastructure development events; including the long running flagship shows such as the iPAD series, the DRC Mining Week, CBM-TEC in Zambia, iPAD Nigeria Mining Forum in Lagos and African Utility Week in Cape Town.
Kenya Mining Forum dates and location:
Conference: 28-29 September 2016
Event location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi,
KenyaWebsites: http://www.kenyaminingforum.com ; www.miningreview.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenyaminingfor
LinkedIN: Kenya Mining Forum 2016
