A multi-billion-dollar rare earth minerals deal between Kenya and the United States was challenged in a Kenyan court on Monday, accused of lacking transparency.
The deal involves minerals critical to high-tech and low-carbon industries in the coastal forest of Mrima Hill, which is believed to hold deposits worth about $62.4 billion, including large reserves of niobium, a metal used to strengthen steel.
The Centre for Litigation Trust, a legal advocacy organisation, is suing the Kenyan government in a bid to halt the deal with the United States to mine the area, after media reports that it was nearing completion.
In court papers seen by AFP, the group calls for full transparency and public consultation around the deal, arguing that any such agreement requires approval by parliament.
'Shrouded in secrecy'
"The specific contract and framework details are shrouded in secrecy, remain opaque and vague to the public," the submission reads.
"Kenyans had no knowledge of the state of affairs pertaining the preliminary agreement."
On Monday, the High Court directed the respondents to be served with the application and to file their responses within 14 days.
President Donald Trump has made securing critical minerals a key pillar of Washington's Africa policy, with Kenya emerging as a priority target.
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