GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 4263

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 NIOBIUM, RARE EARTH ELEMENTS AND OTHER MINERALS AT THE MRIMA HILL IN KWALE COUNTY, KENYA Project Background The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, has designated several minerals as Strategic Minerals. Niobium and Rare-Earth Elements (REE) are among the minerals classified as Strategic. To commercialize these resources, the Government plans to award mineral rights over the area through a public tender process, as outlined in 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 Mrima Hill Niobium and Rare Earth prospect was discovered by the Kenyan Mines and Geological Department in the 1930s. A joint collaboration with Anglo American Corporation in the 1950s carried out a significant exploration campaign, including over 9,000 meters of test shafts and more than 3,000 meters of drilling. This exploration helped in characterizing the deposit. It is located in the coastal plains of Kenya, approximately 65 km southwest of Mombasa. The Kenyan Government has confirmed the presence of five elements—niobium, yttrium, thorium, strontium, and lanthanum— discovered through a recent geological mapping exercise conducted in 2022. However, the Government has not prepared an economic viability report for the prospect. Rare Earth Elements (REE) have recently assumed global significance. They are critical to modern high-strength magnets and constitute vital inputs for a growing range of mass consumer electronics and military high-precision applications. REE will play a role in the global shift toward a low-carbon future. Strong demand for high-tech products, combined with rapid worldwide industrialization and population growth, has increased pressure on the availability of raw materials including REE. Niobium-based alloys are exceptional at meeting the challenges regarding fire resistance and seismic requirements of modern artistic construction, so demand for them in the construction industry is likely to continue growing. The increasing demand for high-strength and lightweight steel in oil and gas pipelines is likely to create opportunities in the future. The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs recently completed a nationwide airborne geophysical survey and now has the latest radiometric and magnetic data over the project area. This data and the resulting grids serve as primary geophysical information for the winning bidder to conduct detailed exploration in the area. Project Location, Geological Setting and Estimates Location: The project is situated in Kwale County within the following coordinates 4°27′ 45’’S, 39°13′ 45’’E to 4°30′ 15’’S, 39°13′ 45’’E and covering an area of approximately 31.9 Km². Geological Setting: Cretaceous alkaline carbonatite intrusion within the Dzombo-Mrima-Kiruku igneous complex, rich in niobium (up to 1.41% Nb₂O₅) and REE (up to 7.12% TREO). Resource Estimates: Indicated resources of 5.8 million tonnes at 1.41% Nb₂O₅ and 48.7 million tonnes at 4.4% TREO; inferred resources of 17.5 million tonnes at 1.41% Nb₂O₅ and 110.7 million tonnes at 5.61% TREO (cut-off grades apply). Accessibility: Accessible via the Mombasa-Lunga Lunga Highway, with terrain including the Coastal Uplands and Foot Plateau. Coordinates Vertex Order Latitude Longitude Deg. Min. Sec. N/S Deg. Min. Sec. E/W A 4 27 45 S 39 13 45 E B 4 27 45 S 39 17 30 E D 4 30 15 S 39 17 30 E C 4 30 15 S 39 13 45 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 Mrima Hill 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 Niobium and Rare Earths 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. 27th March, 2026 THE KENYA GAZETTE (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 THE MRIMA HILL NIOBIUM, RARE EARTH ELEMENTS AND OTHER MINERALS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WITHIN KWALE 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.