County Government of Laikipia

In the FY 2018/2019, the County Government of Laikipia carried out a Mineral Exploration Survey Programme to locate, map and ascertain the presence of minerals within the County. This exploration exercise identified the presence of minerals such as but not limited to Iron Ore, Limestone, Gemstones, Laterites, Granites and Graphite.

During the month of August 2021, a technical team from the County and National Government is scheduled to carry out a Mineral Mapping and Assessment of Iron Ore and Limestone within three wards namely, Sossian, Mukogodo East and Mukogodo West in Laikipia County. The mapping exercise aims to ascertain the quality and quantity of mineral deposits to determine their economic viability for exploitation.

The minerals to be mapped are Iron Ore and Limestone. These two minerals are vital in the manufacture of Iron, Steel and Cement and therefore have great potential to spur economic growth, industrialization, creation of jobs and higher incomes within Laikipia County.

Reconnaissance Site Visit

The mapping team relies on local knowledge, amongst other primary and secondary sources of data. Locals with a good knowledge of an area are instrumental in guiding mapping teams to minerals within their localities.

Iron ore is chiefly used in the manufacture of steel. After extraction from the surface, it is taken to the furnace and smelted at 1538 ^o Celsius.

Iron ore deposits are formed by:-

• Direct sedimentation forming bedded sedimentary deposits resulting into banded iron-formations and iron-stones.
• Igneous origin formed due to magmatic segregation of iron-bearing minerals occurring as veins and tabular replacement bodies of magnetite and hematite.
• Surface or near surface enrichment as less resistant minerals due to chemical and physical weathering by soil forming processes of pre-existing iron-bearing minerals resulting in progressive concentration of iron oxides to form iron-rich deposits.

Objectives

The objectives of the exercise included:

• To visually ascertain the presence of iron ore deposits in Ilpolei.
• To map out all the possible locations of iron ore deposits within the area.
• To ascertain the grade of iron through sampling and testing.

Methodology used

The team carried an Iron Ore sample which was presented to the locals. The locals with the help of the Area Chief and Group Ranch Chairman were able to immediately confirm the presence of rocks similar to the Iron Ore sample presented to them.

The locals guided the team to sites which contained the Iron Ore deposits. Due to the magnetic properties of Iron Ore, a magnet was used as a preliminary method of ascertaining its presence.

Rock fragments and Ores that had magnetic properties were picked as samples for further laboratory tests.

(Published by ICT | Source: Laikipia Weekly Bulletin Issue 0061).