FLYING THE FLAG FOR KENYA
BASE TITANIUM , A CRUCIAL PLAYER IN KENYA ’ S EMERGING MINING MARKET , HAS BEEN FORMALLY ACCREDITED BY KENYA VISION 2030 AS ITS FLAGSHIP MINING PROJECT
The Kenyan mining industry is on the rise . Historically , the country focused on agriculture , tourism , services and manufacturing as its main economic pillars , but in recent years , that focus has begun to shift towards extractives – both oil and mining .
“ In the past mining was not seen as a significant sector of the economy – that is until Base Titanium ’ s Kwale Mine entered into production in early 2014 ,” says Joe Schwarz , General Manager – External Affairs and Development , Base Titanium . “ The industry is now contributing around 1 % to the GDP , but with increased interest in extractives and a friendly investment climate that will increase .”
FLYING THE FLAG FOR KENYA
In 2013 the Government of Kenya created , for the first time , the stand-alone Ministry of Mining in recognition of the emergence of mining , led by Base Titanium , as an increasingly important sector of the economy with real growth potential .
“ Establishing the Ministry of Mining has really given the mining industry in Kenya a new focus and impetus ,” Schwarz says . “ With the Ministry and Base Titanium working collaboratively to promote further
58 September 2017