Kenya: The United States Supports Local Processing of Critical Minerals

Frank Garcia, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, outlined this approach during theAmCham Business Summit 2026. He advocated for a model where mining is accompanied by processing and refining activities in Kenya. President William Ruto highlighted the jobs and industrial capabilities that this strategy could generate.

According to Reuters, two U.S.-based consortia are among six contenders vying to develop Mrima Hill, located in the coastal Kwale County. The site is known for its niobium and rare earth resources, with a potential value estimated in the tens of billions of dollars.

Kenya’s State Department for Mining has classified niobium and rare earths as strategic minerals and placed Mrima Hill under a tendering process. The official terms published in spring first provide for the granting of prospecting rights, followed by subsequent authorization and development stages.

Mining Cooperation Still to Be Formalized

The U.S. announcement comes amid international competition to secure access to minerals essential for aerospace, digital technologies, batteries, and other advanced industries. Washington aims notably to reduce its dependence on supply chains dominated by China and already supports several African mining projects through its development finance institutions.

Kenya and the United States indicated in June that they were nearing a broader agreement on critical minerals, focused on investment and local processing. However, Wednesday’s announcement did not provide a timeline for signing such an agreement.

The American Chamber of Commerce Kenya summit is taking place on 9 and 10 September in Nairobi, bringing together public officials, businesses, and investors around trade and investment between the United States and East Africa. Regarding Mrima Hill, the process still requires awarding rights, detailed exploration, and regulatory approvals before any large-scale exploitation.