Yumbe District has taken a major step in Uganda’s mineral development journey with the launch of the Euro Gold Small-Scale Mining Project, strengthening efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining and promote responsible exploitation of Uganda’s mineral resources.
State Minister for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro said the launch demonstrates Government’s commitment to developing the mineral sector under NDP IV.
She noted that Yumbe and Zombo are among gold-rich areas in West Nile and urged Euro Gold Refinery Ltd to comply with the law, create jobs and internships, support communities and progressively move into medium- and large-scale mining.
She reaffirmed Government’s resolve to close illegal mining operations and called for improved safety, insurance and healthcare for miners.
Euro Gold Refinery Ltd CEO, Mr Benard Feni aka Mungu Feni said, the company spent more than two years surveying and exploring the area before securing its mining ground.
Its operations cover about 79 square kilometres across West Nile, with Yumbe as its pioneer site. The company targets production of at least 20kg of gold per week and plans to establish a processing plant to strengthen traceability and accountability. “We are going to build our nation,” Feni said.
Assimwe Kenneth, The CEO of the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners, commended Euro Gold and Government for supporting formalisation.
He urged communities to keep children in school and out of mining, encouraged the use of PPE and called for accessible insurance schemes for small-scale miners.
Tusigwire Julius, Head of the Mineral Police Unit, said the unit, established in 2017, is responsible for combating illegal mining, mineral smuggling, fraud and forced labour.
He revealed that more than 15 illegal mining sites have been closed this year, while raising concern over recent deaths in illegal mining sites.
Eng. Grace Nakku, from the Office of the Commissioner, Minerals and Energy Department, said responsible mining is key to attracting investment and growing Uganda’s mineral sector.
She advised that only people aged 18 and above should enter mining sites and encouraged Euro Gold to scale up while continuing to support artisanal and small-scale miners.
The launch reinforces Government’s commitment to a formal, safe, responsible and investment-driven mining sector that creates jobs, supports communities and contributes to Uganda’s economic transformation.
