GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 4261

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by regulation 6 (1) (a) of the Mining (Award of Mineral Rights by Tender) Regulations, 2017, the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs advertises the following tender:- REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR LARGE SCALE MINING RIGHTS FOR MANGANESE AT LALI HILLS TANA RIVER COUNTY, KENYA Project Background The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, has designated several minerals as Strategic and Critical Minerals. Manganese is one such critical mineral that is important in the green energy transition. To commercialize this resource, the Government plans to award mineral rights over the area through a public tender process in accordance with the Mining Act (Cap. 306) and the Mining (Award of Mineral Rights by Tender) Regulations, 2017. Upon issuance of the Mineral Right (Prospecting Licence), the project proponent will be expected to adhere to the provisions of the Mining Act and its attendant regulations. Project Overview The Lali Hills prospect was discovered by the Kenya Mines and Geological Department in the 1950s. These geological investigations, including regional mapping of the Mid-Galana Area (Degree Sheet 66 NW) and studies in the Lali Hills–Dakadima area, documented the presence of manganese mineralization associated with brecciated sandstone units within structural zones. However, little work was done owing to the remoteness of the area and also commodity prices. Manganese has been mined in Kilifi County for a long time. The deposit presents itself as nodules and pebbles whose source has not been established. The deposit unconformably overlies coral reefs, suggesting transport and deposition from a nearby fumarole. Among KNAGS, the source of this manganese has been identified as Lali Hills. Manganese is vital and irreplaceable in steelmaking, and a few nations dominate the global mining industry. It is considered one of the most critical minerals. Manganese plays an important role in battery production, especially in alkaline and lithium-ion batteries. Manganese dioxide (MnO₂) is often used as a cathode material in alkaline batteries, while lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄) is used in lithium-ion batteries, particularly for electric vehicles and portable electronics. Manganese compounds are used in a variety of chemical processes. For instance, potassium permanganate functions as an oxidizing agent in water treatment and as a biocide. Manganese oxides are also used in producing glass and ceramics, where they serve as colorants. The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs recently concluded a nationwide airborne geophysical survey and is in custody of the latest radiometric and magnetic data over the project area. The data and resultant grids form primary geophysical information for the winning bidder in undertaking detailed exploration over the area. Project Location, Geological Setting and Estimates Location: The project is situated in Tana River County within the following coordinates 02°55′ 00’’S, 39°13′ 30’’E to 03°02′ 44’’S, 39°20′ 30’’E and covering an area of approximately 155.7749 km² Geological Setting: The area is underlain by Proterozoic basement rocks of the Mozambique Belt, which are overlain by sedimentary formations of the Duruma Group, representing a Karoo-equivalent sedimentary sequence. The principal lithological unit relevant to the manganese occurrence is the Mazeras Sandstone, described as coarse- grained, arkosic, and locally kaolinitic. The sandstone is permeable and susceptible to weathering processes. Extensive superficial cover and weathering profiles limit continuous exposure of fresh bedrock, making structural interpretation partly inferential. Resource Estimates: This is a greenfield prospect whose resource has not been estimated. Accessibility: Accessible via the Mombasa-Tana River Highway. The area can also be accessed through feeder roads in Tsavo East National Park, as well as from Kitui County. 1292 1292 Coordinate Point Latitude (DMS) Longitude (DMS) 1 02° 55′ 00.00″ S 039° 13′ 30.00″ E 2 02° 55′ 00.00″ S 039° 20′ 30.00″ E 3 03° 02′ 44.00″ S 039° 20′ 30.00″ E 4 03° 02′ 44.00″ S 039° 14′ 15.00″ E 5 03° 00′ 44.69″ S 039° 15′ 30.00″ E Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 14 (1) and 223 (2) (e) of the Mining Act (Cap. 306) and 2017 Regulations; award of mineral rights by tender, the Government of Kenya is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from suitably qualified mining operators to commercialize the Lali Hills mineral deposits. Qualifying Criteria Firms expressing interest will be required to possess the following key qualifications: (i) Vast experience in exploration and mining for specialty minerals such as manganese in global jurisdictions. (ii) Verifiable financial resources to undertake detailed exploration and mine development. (iii) Skilled, experienced and proven technical team of experts in exploration and mining. (iv) Experienced management team with a track record of successfully executed similar projects. (v) Robust corporate governance framework. (vi) Portfolio of past underground and surface rock engineering expertise. (vii) Demonstrable execution of similar projects in fragile ecosystems. (viii) Ability to design and commission start to end on-site processing and beneficiation plant: Ability to process the minerals locally and contribute significantly to global supply chains. (ix) Commitment to sustainability practices, including the adoption and use of green and renewable energy. (x) Environmental Responsibility: commitment to implementing measurable interventions to minimize environmental impact, such as land rehabilitation and water management. (xi) Community Engagement: Working closely with local communities to ensure social and economic benefits are shared. (xii) Have clear understanding of Kenya laws on free carry interest, FCI and State involvement on strategic minerals. (xiii) Membership to regional or global group organisations that encourage equitable and responsible mining. COST OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Bidders are expected to fully acquaint themselves with the conditions, requirements and specifications of this EOI before submitting responses. Each bidder assumes all risks for resource commitment and expenses, direct or indirect, of EOI preparation and participation throughout the EOI process. The Ministry will not be responsible directly or indirectly for any costs incurred by Companies in submitting their EOI. Additional Terms and Conditions Any information and/or documents supplied to the Ministry, at any time before this request, shall not be considered in evaluating this proposal, and consequently, companies shall not make any reference to such information and or documents in their response to this request. An omission to disclose material information, a factual inaccuracy, and/or a misrepresentation of fact may result in the disqualification of a response, or cancellation of any subsequent award. Disclaimer This EOI is an expression of interest only and not an offer document; responses arising from this EOI must not be construed as acceptance of an offer or imply the existence of a contract between the parties. By submission of the EOI, Companies shall be deemed to have satisfied themselves with, and to have accepted all Terms & Conditions of this EOI. The Ministry makes no representation, warranty, assurance, guarantee or endorsement to any bidder concerning the EOI, whether with regard to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise and the Ministry shall have no liability towards bidding companies or any other party in connection therewith. Applicants can get more information from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, State Department for Mining, at the address below during official working hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). One (1) original and five (5) copies of the completed bid document and accompanying documents must be submitted in plain, sealed envelopes to the address below by 5 p.m. on 17th April, 2026, East Africa Time. The envelopes should be marked as follows:- EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR LALI HILLS MANGANESE PROJECT WITHIN TANA RIVER COUNTY, KENYA And be submitted in the Tender Box on the Second Floor of the address below or the Office of the Director, Supply Chain Management on the same floor. The Principal Secretary, State Department for Mining, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Work Building, Ngong Road, P.O. Box 30009–00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Email: ps@mining.go.ke Dated the 24th March, 2026. HASSAN ALI JOHO, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.