A mining survey has revealed that there is some deposits of iron ore in some parts of Laikipia County.
The preliminary survey was commissioned in 2018/ 2019 and conducted by the county government of Laikipia.
Speaking to KNA Nanyuki on Tuesday, Laikipia County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Water, Environment and Natural Resources Njenga Kahiro said the outcome of the survey showed that there was potential of iron ore mining in the county.
The exploration survey targeted the mineral, rock deposits and gemstones to determinate their location, chemical composition, spatial extent and economic significance.
“The County Government of Laikipia, as a recognized stakeholder under the Mining Act 2016, is organizing a one day mining conference co- hosted by the department of Environment and Natural resources, Laikipia County Development Authority, and the State Department of Mining on February 20 at the County House,” Njenga noted.
The goal of the conference is to officially launch the mineral report, share with Laikipia residents and investors the opportunities in exploration of the identified minerals, deliberate on governance of extractives industry, access and benefits sharing and to identify opportunities for mineral exploration, research and development.
The conference will bring together leading mining industry executives, national and county government mining experts, artisans, mine owners, bankers and funders, exploration and mapping companies and community leaders and civil societies organizations among others.
The minister said that that the conference will at the same time explore overcharging exploration and production concerns in Laikipia and nationally.
