Yumbe District has received a new gold mining project as the government steps up efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining and curb illegal exploitation of Uganda’s mineral resources.
The Euro Gold Small-Scale Mining Project, launched on Thursday, is expected to introduce more organised mining practices in Yumbe and create jobs while improving the traceability and processing of gold produced in the West Nile region.
State Minister for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro, who presided over the launch, said the project is in line with the government’s plans under the Fourth National Development Plan to transform Uganda’s mineral sector.
Nyamutoro said Yumbe and neighbouring Zombo District are among the areas with significant gold potential in West Nile.
She urged Euro Gold Refinery Ltd to comply with mining laws, create employment and internship opportunities for local people, and support surrounding communities.
She also challenged the company to progressively develop its operations from small-scale mining into medium- and large-scale production. “I want to reaffirm Government’s resolve to close illegal mining operations and call for improved safety, insurance and healthcare for miners,” Nyamutoro said.
The minister said formalisation should go beyond issuing mining licences to ensuring that miners operate in safe conditions and benefit from the economic activity generated by the sector.
Euro Gold Refinery Ltd Chief Executive Officer Benard Feni, also known as Mungu Feni, said the company spent more than two years surveying and exploring the area before securing its mining ground.
The company’s operations cover about 79 square kilometres across West Nile, with Yumbe serving as its first operational site. Feni said the company is targeting production of at least 20 kilogrammes of gold per week and plans to establish a processing plant to improve accountability and traceability within its operations. “We are going to build our nation,” Feni said. T
The planned processing facility could also reduce the movement of unprocessed minerals and strengthen government oversight of gold production and trade.
Assimwe Kenneth, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners, welcomed the project, saying formalisation could help small-scale miners operate within the law and improve their working conditions.
He urged mining communities to keep children out of mining and in school, while encouraging miners to use personal protective equipment and seek affordable insurance cover.
The government’s Mineral Police Unit also warned against illegal mining, mineral smuggling and unsafe mining practices.
Tusigwire Julius, head of the unit, said the force, established in 2017, is responsible for combating illegal mining, mineral smuggling, fraud and forced labour in the sector.
He said more than 15 illegal mining sites had been closed this year, while expressing concern over deaths recorded at some illegal mining sites.
Eng. Grace Nakku, from the Office of the Commissioner in the Minerals and Energy Department, said responsible mining would be critical to attracting investment and expanding Uganda’s mineral sector.
She advised mining operators to restrict access to mining sites to people aged 18 and above and urged Euro Gold to expand its operations while continuing to support artisanal and small-scale miners.
The launch comes as the government seeks to move Uganda’s mineral sector away from informal and illegal extraction towards regulated production, value addition and greater participation in the formal economy.
For Yumbe, the new project offers an opportunity to turn its gold potential into local employment and investment, although its success will depend on compliance with safety and environmental standards, transparent mineral trade and the extent to which surrounding communities’ benefit from the mining activity-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
