Strengthening Historical Ties in Mining: Kenya and Sweden Forge New Path Forward
The Honorable Principal Secretary for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, recently hosted Her Excellency Caroline Vicini, the Swedish Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat, in a pivotal meeting aimed at deepening the longstanding partnership between Kenya and Sweden in the mining sector.
The engagement highlighted the rich history of Swedish investment in mining, which dates back to the 18th century. Sweden’s evolution into a global leader in base and precious metal production stands testament to its robust mining sector and advanced mineral processing technologies.
The Swedish Geological Survey’s role in supporting Kenya’s geological capacity-building efforts has been instrumental in fostering a safe and secure approach to mineral resource exploitation in the region.
During the discussions, a range of crucial topics were addressed, including sustainable mineral exploitation, the adoption of environmentally sound mining practices, adherence to labor laws, and the upholding of human rights and ethical standards within Kenya’s mining industry.
These areas are vital for ensuring that the sector not only grows but does so in a manner that benefits both the environment and local communities.
The Ministry of Mining expressed its enthusiasm for strengthening these international ties and reiterated its commitment to working closely with global partners and stakeholders. The aim is to drive sectoral growth and maximize the benefits of Kenya’s mineral resources for its people.
As Kenya and Sweden continue to collaborate, the shared goal remains clear: to advance the mining sector while ensuring that practices are sustainable, ethical, and beneficial for all involved.