The National Environment Management Authority has warned that Kwale residents may not benefit from their mineral resources because of illiteracy.

Nema says majority of the residents don't understand the ongoing mining and exploration processes in the county. Speaking in Kwale yesterday, county director of environment Wilfred Osumo said lack of knowledge on the mining will deny the locals thebenefits of the minerals.

He said the residents are not aware of the scramble for oil exploration in the Indian Ocean, titanium, niobium and other rare minerals that are found in the county.

Anadarko and Furgo Multi Client Services are exploring for oil in the Indian Ocean, while Base Titanium and Cortec which are prospecting for titanium and Niobium respectively.