What Are They Really Mining? A Wake-Up Call for Our Communities
Earlier this week, global news broke that China has discovered one of the largest gold ore deposits in its history. Found in the Shandong Province, the deposit is being described as “supergiant” and is estimated to hold over 50 tonnes of gold. You can read the full article here.
Now, this might seem far removed from our small villages here in Vihiga County. But it isn’t. In fact, it raises a very serious question about what is happening right here, in our backyards.
Chinese-Backed Mining in Our Villages
In recent months, several Chinese-backed companies have quietly set up small-scale mining operations across our region. These operations claim to be mining gold—but their activities tell a different story.
Rather than supporting our local artisanal miners and cooperatives, these companies often take over entire mining zones. They extract huge quantities of ore and carry it away—unprocessed and unverified. None of the minerals are tested or refined here in Kenya. Everything is shipped off, and we’re left wondering: What exactly are they mining, and why the secrecy?
Are They Really Here for Gold?
Let’s think critically. If China has just uncovered massive gold deposits at home, why would they come all the way to our low-yield gold fields in Vihiga?
Geological research shows that East Africa is rich in rare earth minerals—resources like niobium, tantalum, cobalt, neodymium, and graphite. These minerals are used in phones, laptops, electric cars, solar panels, and advanced weapons systems. They are the real gold of the digital age.
These rare earths are worth billions on the international market. Here are a few eye-opening figures:
| Mineral | Market Price | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tantalum | Ksh 22,000 – 44,000/kg | Phone capacitors, laptops |
| Neodymium | Ksh 13 million/tonne | EV motors, wind turbines |
| Cobalt | Ksh 4.5 – 7 million/tonne | Rechargeable batteries, solar cells |
| Graphite | Ksh 100 – 150/kg | Battery anodes |
| Niobium | Ksh 6,000 – 8,000/kg | Aerospace parts, superconductors |
These minerals are often found mixed within rock and soil—yet we never get to see the results of local tests. Instead, bulk ores are exported under the label of “gold” or “mixed minerals,” leaving communities completely in the dark.
What We’re Losing
The real cost is not just what’s being taken, but what’s being left behind:
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Rivers contaminated with mercury and toxic chemicals
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Deep open pits and destroyed farmland
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Casual jobs with no protection or rights
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Traditional land ownership systems disrupted
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Silence, secrecy, and no real community benefit
No Community, No Consent
The Constitution of Kenya and the Mining Act of 2016 require community engagement, environmental impact assessments, and benefit sharing before any mining begins. But in reality, few of these companies hold proper licenses. Most operate in a legal grey zone, using loopholes and local gatekeepers to avoid scrutiny.
And the result? Our community remains unaware, excluded, and exploited.
The Time to Act Is Now
We must demand:
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Transparency in all mining operations
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Local mineral testing and public reporting
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Full community participation before any mining begins
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Strong environmental safeguards and reclamation plans
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Support for our artisanal miners and cooperatives
If these companies are not just taking gold—but also our future hidden in rare earths—then we must rise and protect what is ours.
We cannot afford to stay silent. Our land is rich not just in resources, but in wisdom and resilience. It is time to speak out, demand accountability, and protect our home.
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