State Minister for Minerals Pheona Nyamutoro launches the project

Photo Credit ; Brenda Acen

By : Brenda Acen

Yumbe District has taken a major step towards strengthening Uganda’s mineral sector following the launch of a small-scale gold mining project by Euro Gold Refinery Ltd.

The project is aimed at promoting the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining while improving safety, accountability and economic opportunities for mining communities in West Nile.

State Minister for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro said Yumbe and neighbouring Zombo District are among the areas in West Nile with significant gold deposits.

Nyamutoro urged Euro Gold Refinery Ltd to comply with Uganda’s mining laws, create employment opportunities and contribute to the development of communities around its operations.

She said the project is part of government efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining by improving miners’ access to safety measures, insurance and healthcare while helping to eliminate illegal mining activities.

Bernard Feni, the Chief Executive Officer of Euro Gold Refinery Ltd, said the company spent more than two years surveying and exploring the area before securing its mining ground.

According to Feni, the company’s operations cover approximately 79 square kilometres across the West Nile region.

He said the company is targeting gold production of at least 20 kilogrammes per week, with Yumbe serving as its pioneer mining site.

Feni added that the company plans to establish a processing plant to improve mineral traceability, accountability and value addition.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Assimwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners, urged miners to prioritise workplace safety by using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Assimwe also called on communities to ensure that children remain in school rather than being exposed to mining activities.

He said PPE provides an important layer of protection against physical, chemical and environmental hazards associated with mining.

Julius Tusingwire, head of the Mineral Police Unit, said the unit, established in 2017, is responsible for combating illegal mining, mineral smuggling, fraud and forced labour in the sector.

Tusingwire expressed concern over recent deaths at illegal mining sites, saying the authorities had been forced to close 15 illegal mining sites as part of efforts to prevent further loss of life.

Eng. Grace Nakku, from the Office of the Commissioner in the Minerals and Energy Department, said responsible mining is essential for attracting investment and developing Uganda’s mineral sector.

Nakku advised mining operators to ensure that only people aged 18 years and above are allowed to access mining sites.

She also encouraged Euro Gold Refinery Ltd to expand its operations while continuing to support artisanal and small-scale miners operating in communities surrounding its mining areas.

The launch comes as the government seeks to promote a more formal, safe and responsible mining industry under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), with the sector expected to create jobs, support local communities and contribute to Uganda’s economic transformation.