Hunan Daily’s special report showcases achievements in China-Kenya mining cooperation
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In 2016, the Geological Bureau of Hunan Province sent four geological survey and mineral exploration engineers to Kenya to support the development of the local mining industry.
By He Jinyan
From September 4 to 6, Beijing hosted the 2024 Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Prior to this, Hunan Daily Press sent a special reporting team to Kenya to conduct interviews under the theme, “Friends · Partners”, and gain a first-hand understanding of the outcomes of China-Kenya mining cooperation.
On September 5, Hunan Daily published an in-depth report titled, “The Hunan Geological Team Has Arrived, Scattering ‘Golden Seeds’ on the Maasai Grasslands,” along with accompanying photos and videos, telling the story of how geological experts from Hunan had helped Kenya develop its mining economy.
Under the guidance and promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation mechanism, in 2016, the Geological Bureau of Hunan Province sent four geological survey and mineral exploration engineers, including Qiu Chengfu, to Kenya to support the development of the local mining industry.
Arriving at the vast East African Savanna, Qiu Chengfu realised that searching for gold was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
The Migori Gold Belt is the only gold mining area in Kenya with a record of industrial extraction, but there was very little geological exploration data. Qiu and his team worked tirelessly on geological and technical challenges, eventually turning stone into "gold."
What touched Joseph Boiwo, the Migori Regional Director for Mining, was that during the geological exploration, Qiu’s team meticulously followed Chinese standards, carefully documenting every step and producing detailed maps. He said: “This will be invaluable documentation in the history of Kenya’s mining industry!”
The Hunan geological team strictly adhered to China’s “green mining” standards and diligently protected the East African Savanna. This earned the support of the local people.
Fifty-six-year-old Jackson has never been to China, but three years ago, he named his newborn son “China,” symbolising his hopes for a bright future. For Jackson, the “golden seeds” scattered by the Hunan geological team on the grasslands are not only the gold that changes material life, but also the “golden seeds” of hope.
In the Kenya Vision 2030, mining is identified as a key sector for growth. Today, the Migori Gold Belt, following Chinese geological exploration standards and incorporating China’s environmental protection guidelines, is bursting with new vitality.
He Jinyan is a reporter with Hunan Daily
