Economic Report - Kenya's Mineral Discoveries Produce Mixed Feelings

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discoveries of mineral wealth in Kenya could help add to East biggest economy. The government also is taking steps to improve the of the mining industry. But some citizens are concerned that at one newly announced mining project will damage local communities. The government warned companies about making announcements about new resources before they are . Kenya's secretary of mining, Najib Balala, says the government will ask companies for details about their findings 21 days before making them discoveries also could upset some communities where big mining projects are . One example is the recent discovery of rare minerals in the Hills, in the coastal area of Kwale. The mining company Cortec finding a deposit of more than 600 kilograms of niobium. The is used in making steel and metal mixtures called superconducting alloys allow electric currents to travel very easily. Cortec says the discovery be worth $50 billionBut a dispute has begun between the company, government and the local community. Leaders of the Mijikenda ethnic group, lives near Kenya's coast, say they practice their religion in the Hills. The Kenyan government has not announced how payments it receives mining companies, called royalties, would be used. The Mining Secretary is to present legislation proposing that the central government take 70 percent mining royalties. Local governments would receive 25 percent and local communities receive five percentFor VOA Learning English, I'm Carolyn Presutti

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