National Mining Corporation

29/07/2026

What Are Strategic (Critical) Minerals and Why Do They Matter?

As Kenya accelerates its journey towards industrialization and the global clean energy transition, strategic (critical) minerals have become more important than ever. These are minerals that are essential for modern industries, advanced technologies, national security and economic growth.

At the National Mining Corporation (NAMICO), we are proud to serve as the Government's investment arm in the exploration and development of strategic mineral resources, helping unlock Kenya's mineral potential for sustainable national development.
As the Government of Kenya's investment arm in mineral exploration and development, the National Mining Corporation (NAMICO) is mandated to explore and unlock the country's strategic mineral potential, creating opportunities for investment, industrialization and long-term national prosperity.

Some of the strategic minerals with significant economic and industrial importance include:

🔹 Rare Earth Elements (REEs) – Essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics and advanced electronics.

🔹 Graphite – A critical component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

🔹 Lithium – Powers rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, consumer electronics and clean energy technologies.

🔹 Copper – The backbone of electrical infrastructure, renewable energy systems and power transmission.

🔹 Nickel – Used in electric vehicle batteries, stainless steel and advanced manufacturing.

🔹 Cobalt – An essential mineral for high-performance rechargeable batteries, aerospace applications and clean energy technologies.

🔹 Coltan – An ore that contains tantalum, a metal used in smartphones, computers, medical equipment and other high-tech electronics.

🔹 Tantalum – Critical for electronic components, semiconductors and medical devices due to its excellent heat resistance and conductivity.

🔹 Tin – Used in soldering electronic circuits, renewable energy technologies and industrial manufacturing.

🔹 Chromium – Essential in producing stainless steel, corrosion-resistant alloys and industrial equipment.

🔹 Niobium – Strengthens steel used in transport, construction and energy infrastructure.

🔹 Thorium – A strategic mineral with potential applications in next-generation nuclear energy technologies.

🔹 Uranium – A key mineral used to generate reliable, low-carbon nuclear energy and enhance long-term energy security.
These minerals are driving the industries of tomorrow. Through responsible exploration, strategic partnerships and value addition, NAMICO is committed to unlocking Kenya's mineral wealth for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

NAMICO – Exploring Strategic Minerals. Driving Investment. Creating National Value.

22/07/2026

At the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC),Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi, officially launched the FY 2027/28 Medium-Term Budget Preparation Process, bringing together government leaders, chief executives and industry stakeholders to review, refine and align sector priorities with Kenya Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP IV) and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The National Mining Corporation (NAMICO) was represented by CEO Eng. Joseph Kitilit, who joined other industry leaders in discussions aimed at shaping a budget that accelerates sustainable economic growth and enhances Kenya's strategic development priorities.

For the mining sector, the budget preparation process provides a critical platform to advocate for increased investment in geological exploration, mineral value addition, critical minerals development, infrastructure, investor facilitation, artisanal and small-scale mining, environmental stewardship, research, innovation and skills development.

These priorities are essential in unlocking the sector's full potential, attracting investment, creating jobs, boosting exports and increasing the mining sector's contribution to the national economy.

Strategic budget planning remains fundamental to positioning mining as a key pillar of Kenya's industrialization agenda and sustainable economic transformation.

14/07/2026

In line with the ongoing implementation of the landmark cooperation agreement between the National Mining Corporation (NAMICO) and the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Kazakhstan, signed during H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto’s State Visit to Kazakhstan in May 2026, the Principal Secretary for Mining, Mr. Harry Kimtai, together with Eng. Joseph Kitilit, CEO of NAMICO, chaired a strategic meeting this afternoon.

The meeting brought together senior officials from the State Department for Mining, NAMICO and officials from Tau-Ken Samruk - Kazakhstan’s National Mining Company, and representatives of three private sector mining companies.

As the investment arm of the Government in the mining sector, NAMICO’s role is to crowd-in investment, de-risk projects, and facilitate partnerships that unlock Kenya’s mineral wealth.

Discussions focused on:
1. Creating avenues for private sector participation through NAMICO in line with the Mining Act, Cap. 306
2. Translating the bilateral agreement into tangible joint ventures and investment opportunities
3. Identifying priority projects for exploration, value addition, and technology transfer.

The participating companies were Metro Gem Mining Limited, Royal DFC, and Minex Mining Limited They made presentations outlining their mining interests, expertise, and potential areas of collaboration.
Their engagement underscores growing investor confidence in Kenya’s mineral potential and the critical role of public-private partnerships in accelerating sector growth.
As we deepen the Kenya–Kazakhstan strategic partnership, our shared goal remains: accelerate exploration, attract responsible investment, facilitate technology and skills transfer, and create sustainable value for the people of Kenya.

14/07/2026

Following the State Visit by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, to the Republic of Kazakhstan in May 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Mining Corporation of Kenya (NAMICO) and JSC Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The MoU establishes a strategic framework for collaboration in:
• Mining and exploration projects
• Investment and technology transfer
• Capacity building and skills exchange

This partnership marks a significant milestone in unlocking Kenya's mineral potential, promoting sustainable investment, and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining sector.

To advance the implementation of the MoU, H.E. Barlybay Sadykov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Kenya, together with a delegation from Tau-Ken Samruk, Kazakhstan's National Mining Company, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nariman Absametov, paid a courtesy visit this morning to the State Department for Mining.

The delegation was received by the Principal Secretary for Mining, Mr. Harry Kimtai; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Mining Corporation (NAMICO), Eng. Joseph Kitilit; the Secretary for the Geological Survey, Mr. Enoch Kipseba; and other officials from the State Department for Mining and NAMICO.

The visit underscores the shared commitment of Kenya and Kazakhstan to deepen cooperation, foster investment, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote the sustainable development of the mining sector for the mutual benefit of both nations.

29/06/2026

📢 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: HAVE YOUR SAY ON KENYA’S MINING FUTURE 🇰🇪

The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has released 3 key documents for public review:

1. Draft Minerals, Mining and Beneficiation Policy
2. Draft Mining (Mine Health, Safety and Environment) Regulations, 2026
3. Draft Explosives Bill 2026

Why this matters: These laws will shape how Kenya mines, adds value locally, protects workers, and safeguards the environment for the next decade. From royalties to mine rehabilitation to community benefits - your voice counts.

How NAMICO is involved:
As Kenya’s National Mining Corporation, NAMICO is a key stakeholder in the Draft Minerals, Mining and Value Addition Policy. We’re reviewing provisions on:
1. Local beneficiation & value addition - ensuring minerals are processed in Kenya, not exported raw
2. State participation through NAMICO’s 10% free carried interest
3. Transparency in mining revenues and mineral traceability
4. Sustainable mining aligned with the “Green Bench” environmental rule of law

NAMICO encourages all Kenyans miners, communities, investors, CSOs, youth, women, PWDs to participate.

📅 Public Hearings: Happening in 29 counties from 29th June – 8th July 2026, 9:00am – 1:00pm. Check the schedule below to find your county.
Let’s build a mining sector that creates jobs, protects the environment, and benefits all Kenyans. Your input = better policy.

25/06/2026

At the ongoing ELC Conference, Day Two featured a thought provoking panel discussion on the critical question: How can Kenya strike the right balance between attracting mining investment, protecting community rights and the environment, and maximizing local value addition?
The session brought together industry leaders and stakeholders to explore practical solutions for the sustainable growth of Kenya's mining sector. At the heart of the discussion was the role of the National Mining Corporation (NAMICO) in ensuring that the country's mineral wealth creates lasting economic and social benefits for Kenyans.
NAMICO CEO, Eng. Joseph Kitilit, was a key panelist, providing valuable insights on how Kenya can leverage its mineral resources to attract investment while upholding environmental stewardship, protecting community interests, and promoting local value addition. He underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, responsible mining practices, and downstream mineral processing in driving inclusive economic growth.
The discussion highlighted the need for collaboration among government, investors, communities, and industry players to build a mining sector that is competitive, sustainable, and beneficial to all stakeholders.

24/06/2026

We are pleased to participate in the ongoing three-day Environment and Land Court (ELC) Annual Judges Conference 2026, themed:
"The Green Bench: Advancing Climate Justice, Ecosystem Protection, and Environmental Rule of Law in a Changing Planet."
The conference seeks to strengthen the interpretation and enforcement of environmental and climate laws, promote a balance between economic development and ecological sustainability, safeguard constitutional rights against environmental harm, advance climate-responsive jurisprudence, and enhance engagement with emerging global issues such as climate justice, carbon markets, renewable energy transitions, and public interest environmental litigation.
At NAMICO, we recognize that effective mining is lawful, responsible, and sustainable mining. We remain committed to protecting the environment, respecting community rights, and contributing to Kenya's transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
Together, we can build a mining sector that supports both environmental stewardship and sustainable economic growth.

27/05/2026

18/05/2026

Every gemstone begins as something ordinary to the untrained eye rough, hidden, and buried deep within the earth.
This tsavorite started its journey the same way. Unearthed in Kenya, it passed through the hands of skilled local miners, cutters, and polishers before becoming the brilliant stone you see today. Every stage of its transformation happened here at home.
From the earth to elegance, this is more than a gemstone. It is a story of Kenyan craftsmanship, natural beauty, and the incredible value that exists beneath our surface both in our land and in our people.
Too often, Africa exports raw potential while others tell the final story. But moments like this remind us that excellence can be mined, refined, and showcased right here in Kenya.
Beneath the surface are gems with stories worth telling.

01/05/2026

This Labour Day, we honour the strength, resilience, and dedication of every hand that powers our nation’s growth from deep within the earth.
Happy Labour Day to all who fuel progress!