US Offers Mining Technology and Processing Support for Kenya’s Mrima Hill Rare Earth Project
The United States has pledged to support Kenya in developing a domestic critical minerals processing industry as the country advances plans to develop strategic mineral deposits, including the Mrima Hill rare earth and niobium project.
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia said Washington was prepared to work with Kenya to develop a mining sector focused on local processing, value addition, technology transfer and stronger supply chains.
The announcement comes as Kenya considers bids for the development of Mrima Hill in Kwale County, a deposit believed to contain significant quantities of rare earth elements and niobium. Six companies are reportedly being considered, including two US consortia.
Garcia said US support could include the deployment of advanced mining and processing technologies, as well as investment in facilities and secondary industries that could create skilled jobs and retain more mineral value within Kenya.
The proposed approach would move beyond the export of unprocessed mineral concentrates by establishing processing and value-addition capacity closer to the source.
Kenya has identified rare earths, niobium, titanium, graphite, lithium, copper and nickel among its strategic mineral resources.
Mrima Hill has emerged as a key opportunity within Kenya’s critical minerals strategy. US-based Critical Metals Corp and Australia’s RareX were identified in July as competitors for the project, although Kenya has not publicly released its full shortlist.
The US initiative comes as Washington seeks to strengthen critical minerals supply chains and reduce dependence on concentrated global processing capacity.
US officials have indicated that American technology and private-sector investment could support the development of mining and processing projects across Africa.
For Kenya, local beneficiation could create opportunities beyond mineral extraction, including processing facilities, manufacturing and related services.
The government has also highlighted job creation and technology transfer as key objectives of developing its critical minerals sector.
The proposed US-Kenya cooperation remains at the development and partnership stage, with details on specific investments, processing facilities, financing and implementation timelines yet to be finalised.
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