Base Titanium secures new license for mineral exploration in Bwiti

Base Titanium Mining Company has secured a new prospecting license for mineral exploration in Bwiti, located in the southern part of its current mining site in Kwale County.

The license was recently granted by the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Hassan Joho, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion plans.

General Manager for External Affairs at Base Titanium Simon Walls confirmed the development during a press briefing at the company’s site in Kwale.

"We are excited about the opportunity to explore the Bwita area. The license provides us with the green light to begin detailed exploration and understand the potential of this new site," Walls said.

As part of the initial exploration phase, Base Titanium has begun taking soil samples from the new site to assess the mineral content and determine its potential value.

The company is collaborating with experts to ensure that the exploration process is conducted efficiently and responsibly.

"Our team is already on the ground conducting extensive soil sampling to confirm the presence of minerals. This will allow us to determine the next steps based on the findings," Walls added.

The new exploration activities come as Base Titanium's current mining operations are set to wind down by December.

Despite this, the exploration license offers a glimpse of a future beyond the closure of the existing site.

"This prospecting and exploration are not going to stop the closure of this mine. On the contrary, it presents an opportunity for future growth in the medium-term, potentially within the next three(3) to five(5) years," Walls emphasized.

Base Titanium, a subsidiary of the Australian mining firm Base Resources, has been operating in Kwale County for over 10 years, extracting titanium and other minerals.

The company’s activities have contributed significantly to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting community projects.

The granting of the new prospecting license is seen as a positive development for both the company and the local community.

Walls highlighted that the company remains committed to sustainable mining practices and community engagement.

"Our priority is to ensure that we meet all regulatory requirements and work closely with the local communities to create a sustainable future," he said.

The exploration activities will be conducted just west of the current Kwale mine, with initial testing and prospecting playing a crucial role in determining the viability of the new site for future development.

"We hope that the initial prospecting and testing will yield positive results, allowing us to move forward with the full exploration programme," Walls explained.

As the exploration phase progresses, Base Titanium is also focusing on community engagement.

The company is sensitizing local residents on the exploration process and the support needed to ensure its success.

"We are undertaking stakeholder engagement to help the community understand what exploration is and how they can support it. This will ensure a smooth and effective process as we move forward," said the manager.

Should the exploration phase prove successful, it could pave the way for further investments and job opportunities, strengthening Base Titanium’s presence in the region.