Residents Near Mrima Hill Warn of Land, Heritage and Environmental Risks as Rare‑Earth Mining Project Advances

Farmers and community elders in Kwale County say the planned rare‑earth mining at Mrima Hill threatens ancestral burial sites, forests and livelihoods, while authorities have yet to clarify safeguards.

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Farmers interviewed by AP News said they lack clear information on where excavation would occur and how it might affect their farms, food production and the ability to remain on their land.

Justus Mwero, chairman of the Mrima Farm Owners Community‑Based Organization, said families have received little notice about the mining process, leaving them uncertain about displacement, environmental damage and protection of heritage sites.

The project, driven by demand for niobium and rare‑earth elements used in electric‑vehicle motors, wind turbines and defence technology, has attracted international interest, with five bidders remaining after two Chinese firms withdrew.

Cortec Mining Kenya Ltd submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in February 2012; NEMA rejected the application in March 2013 because the site lies within a gazetted nature reserve, forest reserve and national monument.

After clarifications on radiation and wildlife safety, NEMA approved the assessment in July 2013, but mining licences were subsequently suspended later that year.

In June 2026, the Centre for Litigation Trust filed a court challenge, arguing that local communities, Parliament and Kwale County had not been adequately consulted on the tender process.

The current shortlist of bidders includes three US‑linked consortia, an Australian partnership and a Kenyan‑British joint venture, as Kenya evaluates proposals for the multi‑billion‑dollar venture.