A Chinese firm is investing Sh2 billion in a copper mining plant at Mtito Andei in Makueni County, signaling Kenya’s increasing appeal to foreign investors in the mineral sector. The project, led by Shaanxi Africa Mining Company, will process copper ore from deposits in the Ngiluni Settlement Scheme near Kamunyu Village, covering 54 square kilometres of privately owned land, according to an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) filed with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The initiative comes at a time when global copper prices have surged to $12,986 (Sh1.7 million) per tonne as of January 2026. Analysts attribute the rally to stockpiling, global tariff tensions, and increasing demand in energy production, artificial intelligence, and electric mobility. This surge has made Kenya’s copper reserves increasingly attractive to mechanised, large-scale mining ventures.
Mechanised Mining to Replace Artisanal Operations
The Mtito Andei project aims to transition years of artisanal mining into a regulated, mechanised operation. The ore will be extracted through open-cast mining methods and transported to an off-site processing facility, which is yet to be disclosed. By formalising extraction, the project will enhance safety standards, reduce environmental risks, and professionalise local mining activities. While Shaanxi Africa Mining has faced controversies abroad including a 2019 fatal explosion in Ghana that killed 16 workers, developers insist the Mtito Andei project will operate under strict environmental, safety, and rehabilitation measures. The Sh2 billion budget covers equipment, labour, environmental management, and administrative costs, ensuring the operation aligns with national regulations and international best practices.
The project also secures the consent of local landowners, who will benefit directly from leasing arrangements and employment opportunities. Formalising operations will reduce illegal and unsafe mining practices, protecting both the environment and the community.
Economic and Industrial Benefits
The copper project is expected to deliver substantial economic gains locally and nationally. Developers project the creation of hundreds of jobs for residents, from technical and administrative roles to support services. The venture will also generate tax revenues for the government and bolster Kenya’s industrialisation ambitions under Vision 2030. Operations near River Athi, a critical water source, will incorporate measures to minimise ecological disruption. This focus on environmental stewardship demonstrates that mining can coexist with natural resource protection, a key consideration for investors and regulators.
Experts note that the Mtito Andei project could catalyse further foreign investment in Kenya’s mineral sector, expand mineral exports, and promote the growth of downstream industries. By formalising copper extraction, the project strengthens supply chains, encourages technology transfer, and introduces modern mining practices to local communities. Additionally, the project sets a precedent for responsible mining, showing that private firms can balance profit making with environmental protection and social accountability. Analysts suggest that similar projects could help Kenya tap into rising global demand for copper, particularly as the metal underpins critical technologies in renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Strategic Implications for Kenya’s Mining Sector
By converting informal, artisanal operations into structured, mechanised ventures, the Mtito Andei project highlights the untapped potential in Kenya’s mineral rich regions. It underscores the importance of strong regulatory oversight, community engagement, and environmental safeguards in attracting sustainable foreign investment.
The project also demonstrates how strategic investments in mining can support national economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen industrial capacity. With global copper demand showing no signs of slowing, Kenya stands to benefit significantly from projects that combine profitability with social and environmental responsibility. As the country continues to industrialise under Vision 2030, the success of the Mtito Andei copper project could pave the way for further large-scale, high-value mining investments, boosting Kenya’s profile as a reliable destination for responsible foreign capital
