PREVIOUS WEBINAR
The Circular Economy in Mining: Unlocking Value and Sustainability in Kenya's Mining Sector
Date: 03 September 2025 | Time: 15:00 HRS - 16:40 HRS EAT
Presentations
Background
The global economy has historically operated on a linear “manufacture-use-dispose” model, leading to significant resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental degradation. The mining sector, as a foundational industry, is particularly implicated in this model, producing vast quantities of mine waste (tailings, overburden) and consuming considerable amounts of water and energy.
However, the concept of the Circular Economy is gaining significant traction worldwide, including in Africa. This paradigm shift emphasizes minimizing resource input, maximizing resource utility, recovering valuable materials from waste streams, and extending the lifespan of products and materials. For the mining sector, embracing circular economy principles presents a transformative opportunity to significantly reduce its environmental footprint and unlock new economic opportunities.
In Kenya, as the mining sector seeks to grow responsibly and sustainably, aligning with national environmental regulations and global best practices is paramount. The effective management of mine waste, efficient water use, and the potential for reprocessing existing waste are emerging priorities. This webinar seeks to explore practical approaches, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks that can facilitate the transition towards a more circular mining economy in Kenya.
Emerging Issue
The core emerging issue is how the mining sector in Kenya can effectively transition from its current linear model to a more circular one. This involves addressing critical questions such as:
- How can mining operations minimize the generation of new waste?
- What technologies and processes are available for recovering valuable minerals or other materials from existing mine tailings and waste dumps?
- How can water be efficiently reused and recycled within mining operations, and what are the opportunities for closed-loop water systems?
- What policy and regulatory incentives are needed to encourage circular practices in the Kenyan mining sector?
- What are the economic benefits and investment opportunities associated with circular mining?
Webinar Objectives
- Understand the fundamental principles of the circular economy and its relevance to the mining sector.
- Identify key opportunities for waste reduction, material recovery, and water reuse in mining operations.
- Learn about innovative technologies and case studies for implementing circular economy principles in mining.
- Discuss the policy and regulatory landscape that can support or hinder the adoption of circular practices in Kenya.
- Explore the economic benefits and investment potential associated with a circular mining model.
- Network with experts and peers interested in sustainable mining practices.
Target Audience
- Mining Company Executives and Operations Managers
- Environmental Managers and Professionals in the mining sector
- Government Regulators (e.g., State Department for Mining, NEMA)/Policy Makers and Legislators
- Researchers and Academics in mining, environmental science, and circular economy
- Consultants specializing in environmental management and sustainable development
- Community Leaders and Representatives from mining-affected areas
- Students and young professionals interested in sustainable resources management
Agenda
- 1500 – 1505 HRS: Welcome Remarks & Introduction to CESMECC and the Webinar Theme – John Okwaro Team Lead, CESMECC
- 1505 – 1520 HRS: Understand the fundamental principles of the circular economy and its relevance to the mining sector – Ms. Joan Rampei Muoti, Chairman and CEO, Council for Literacy Development
- 1520 – 1535 HRS: The Global Imperative of the Circular Economy and its Relevance to Africa’s Mineral Sector – Dr. Nashon J. Adero, Founder Impact Borderless Digital, Author, Lecturer at Taita Taveta University, and Executive Committee Member at The Kenya Chambers of Mine
- 1535 – 1550 HRS: Innovating for Waste-to-Resource: Technologies for Tailings Reprocessing and Material Recovery – Dr. Martin Kofi, founder of the International Centre for Sustainable Environment Promotion, Research and Project Management Associate at The Freiberg University of Mining and Technology
- 1550 – 1605 HRS: Policy and regulatory landscape that can support or hinder the adoption of circular practices in Kenya. – Geol. Sofia Kutiti – Chairperson Minerals Rights Board
- 1605 – 1630 HRS: Q&A Session
- 1630 – 1640 HRS: Closing Remarks & Way Forward – John Okwaro, CESMECC
Expected Outcomes:
- Enhanced understanding among participants regarding the practical application of circular economy principles in mining.
- Increased awareness of the economic benefits and investment opportunities in circular mining.
- Fostering of partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders to advance sustainable mining practices in Kenya.
- Contribution to policy dialogue aimed at creating a supportive regulatory environment for circular mining initiatives.
Conclusion
This webinar is timely and critical for CESMECC to champion sustainable development within Kenya’s budding mining sector. By bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss innovation, best practices, and policy frameworks, this webinar will contribute significantly to shifting the paradigm towards a more responsible and economically viable mining industry in Kenya.