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Ruto Ousts Tata Soda Ash Mining in Kenya
3 Sep
Summary
- President Ruto ordered Tata Chemicals to cease operations.
- The company exported soda ash instead of processing it locally.
- New investors are sought for century-old Kajiado mining rights.
Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered Tata Chemicals to cease operations and vacate its mining sites in Kajiado county, ending a century-long tenure. The directive, instructing the company to "pack and go," was issued because Ruto alleges the Mumbai-based firm has been exporting soda ash extracted from Lake Magadi.
President Ruto criticized Tata Chemicals for extracting Kenya's mineral resources for two decades without establishing significant local processing facilities for glass or chemicals, as reportedly promised when acquiring the mining rights. He expressed frustration that the resource is being taken to India and other locations.
The move by the president aligns with a directive from Kenya's mining ministry issued five weeks prior, which compelled Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd. to suspend operations. The ministry cited the company's failure to meet royalty payments and other regulatory obligations as reasons for the suspension.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku confirmed that the mining rights expired in 2023 and emphasized that future licensees must establish substantial processing plants within the county to produce glass and chemicals. Kenya has been a producer of soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, since 1911.
