The Government has reopened the Okemel gold mining field in Abim District after a two-year closure linked to illegal mining, with authorities introducing a cooperative model aimed at formalising artisanal mining. The reopening on Tuesday coincided with the launch of Kakoka Artisanal Miners Cooperative Society Ltd, marking what officials described as a new phase of organised mining based on licensing, cooperative structures, improved technology, legitimate mineral markets and stronger oversight.
The cooperative currently has about 2,500 registered members and expects the number to rise to more than 10,000 as operations expand, according to its Executive Director, Denis Okawa. “Today’s launch marks a new beginning for artisanal miners in Okemel,” Okawa said, describing the cooperative as an opportunity to move away from informal and potentially unsafe practices towards responsible mining.
The cooperative is also seeking additional land to accommodate its growing membership. Okawa said the 40 acres allocated in Okemel Village, Alerek Sub-county, could become inadequate if the projected membership growth is realised.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said the cooperative has initially been granted a mineral licence covering 15 acres of the 20-square-mile gold mining area in Okemel Village, Alerek Sub-county. Agnes Alaba, the Commissioner for Mines, said the licensed area could be reviewed as the cooperative demonstrates operational progress, adopts improved technology and strengthens compliance with mining requirements.
Under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, artisanal mining is a legally recognised category of mining, with cooperatives among the entities eligible to apply for artisanal mining licences. The law also requires licensed artisanal miners to comply with environmental, occupational safety and other applicable requirements.
The reopening follows the closure of the Okemel field in 2024 amid concerns over illegal mining, according to officials involved in the reopening. The Government’s decision to reopen the field under a cooperative model is intended to bring artisanal and small-scale mining into the formal economy.
The Mining and Minerals Act, 2022 established a specific framework for artisanal mining, including designated artisanal mining areas and licensing arrangements. The law provides that where organised artisanal-miner entities have been established and are operational, individuals operating outside the required framework can be regarded as engaging in illegal artisanal mining.
Alaba said the ministry expects Kakoka members to comply with the conditions of their licence, improve mining methods and meet environmental and occupational safety requirements. “Formalisation is not simply about giving miners a licence,” she said. “It is about creating a more responsible, productive and sustainable mining sector.”
State Minister for Mineral Development Fiona Nyamutoro told the miners that mercury would not be permitted at Kakoka and warned that failure to comply with mining and environmental requirements could result in enforcement action. The Mining and Minerals Act, 2022 prohibits the use of mercury in mining operations and restricts the use of cyanide without authorisation.
The ministry has previously identified replacing mercury in gold processing as part of its mining-sector reforms and promoted alternatives such as borax. Mercury used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining can contaminate air, soil and water and poses health and environmental risks.
Nyamutoro said the ministry expects miners to progress from artisanal operations towards small-scale mining by organising themselves, adopting improved technology and developing commercially viable enterprises. Adiama Ekaju, the Abim Resident District Commissioner, warned miners about fraudulent gold buyers and scammers, saying there had been reports of individuals entering mining communities with fake gold or attempting to defraud miners during transactions.
Nyamutoro said the Government is establishing mineral buying centres in mining communities, including Abim, to bring legitimate buyers closer to producers, improve mineral traceability and reduce miners’ exposure to fraudulent transactions.
Joyce Aayoo Makamoe, the Abim District Woman Representative, told Uganda Radio Network that reopening the mine could create employment and diversify livelihoods for young people in Abim and the wider Karamoja sub-region. “The benefits must translate into better livelihoods, employment, access to finance and opportunities for local communities,” she said. She also called for greater participation of women in the mining sector beyond low-paid labour.
Johny De West Ariko, the Abim District LC5 chairperson, warned that the reopening could attract children to mining and expose them to hazardous working conditions. He urged parents, miners and local leaders to ensure that mining does not undermine school attendance. Ariko said the growth of mining-related economic activity should improve household livelihoods without compromising children’s safety and education-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
