limestone mining in kenya
Limestone mining in Kenya is an important industry that contributes significantly to the country’s economic development. Kenya is home to a vast limestone belt, which runs along the eastern edge of the country, from the Tanzania border in the south to the northern Turkana region.
The main limestone deposits in Kenya are located in the Mwingi, Witu, Lamu, and Athi River areas. These deposits are mined primarily for their use in cement production, as well as in the manufacture of lime and other industrial minerals.
The process of limestone mining in Kenya typically involves the following steps:
1.Exploration: Geologists use various techniques to identify and locate limestone deposits. This involves drilling, sampling, and testing the rock to determine its quality and suitability for commercial use.
2.Planning: Once a suitable deposit has been identified, mining companies will develop a plan for the extraction of the limestone. This includes determining the optimal mining method, developing access roads and infrastructure, and obtaining the necessary permits and approvals.
3.Extraction: Limestone is typically mined using surface quarrying techniques, such as blasting or digging with heavy machinery. The extracted rock is then transported to a processing plant where it is crushed, ground, and screened to produce the desired size and quality of limestone.
4.Processing: The processed limestone is then used in a variety of applications, including cement production, construction, and agriculture. Some limestone is also used in the production of steel and other industrial products.
