A recent geological survey conducted by the Kenya ministry of mining has revealed that the country has immense underground wealth of about 970 minerals across the country. The data collection, conducted aerially, commenced in April 2021 and ended in July last year having covered an area of 538,420km2 onshore. copper, graphite, manganese, iron ore, coltan, base metals, nickel chromite, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, uranium, thorium, nickel-cobalt, are some of the minerals that exist across different counties in Kenya. The minerals have been classified as “potential prospects” opening doors for further exploration to help determine the nature, economic viability and estimated total worth. The 970 minerals discovered include industrial minerals, base metals, precious metals, rare earth and radio-active minerals, gemstones, construction and building materials, and geothermal resources. The Ministry has identified 15 counties of great interest, and which are considered to have the highest prospects of the identified minerals, these counties include: Kitui, Embu, Tana River, Kilifi, Isiolo, Makueni, Taita-Taveta, Kwale, Homa Bay, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi and Kericho. The counties will be subjected to a ground truthing process whose results will inform exploration decisions. If the process of confirming these critical minerals, first in the 15 select counties considered well-endowed, is successful, Kenya will join the League of Nations that mine thorium, nickel and cobalt, among others. According to the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the mining sector currently contributes less than 1 per cent of Kenya’s GDP but has potential capacity to contribute 4 to 10 per cent. “Our aim is to make sure that the mining sector adds and contributes to the economic growth of our country, and also benefits the residents living in those areas with minerals,” said the Mining Cabinet Secretary Hon. Salim Mvurya.