Scramble on for $62bn rare earths, niobium in Kenya’s Mrima Hill

Washington’s renewed interest in Kenya’s rare earths and niobium deposits is putting Mrima Hill in Kwale County at the centre of a global contest for critical minerals, even as questions over mining rights, local processing, conservation and community benefits remain unresolved.

The United States is stepping up engagement with Kenya as Washington seeks to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China, which dominates significant parts of the global rare-earth processing and refining industry.