By Goretti Kitutu
MINISTER OF ENERGY & MINERAL RESOURCES
ENERGY: Uganda’s dream to venture into nuclear technology for energy, medical and other peaceful purposes, may come true following a discovery of three Uranium deposits.
Uranium is a key mineral in developing nuclear energy and the discovery is a key highlight of the 2016-2021 manifesto of President Yoweri Museveni. The minerals sub-sector’s mandate is to establish, promote the development, strategically manage and safeguard the rational and sustainable exploitation and utilization of Energy and Mineral resources for Social and Economic Development.
During the period 2016-2021, the government confirmed uranium deposits in Nkandwa Parish, Kiboga District, Katara Parish, Karungu Sub-County in Buhweju District and Kyambogo Parish, Ntusi Sub-County in Ssembabule District. The uranium prospects in Ssembabule indicate; Chromium, Copper, Lead, Wolfram, Tin and Zinc.
An additional 103 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore and 15MT were also discovered in Kabale and Rubanda districts respectively. This brings the total iron ore reserves in south western Uganda to 318 MT with estimated resources of up to 1billion tonnes. The iron ore in Kabale and Muko is associated with gold, Nickel, Zinc, Tin, Titanium and wolfram. Rare Earth Elements (REEs) associated with copper, niobium and zinc have also been discovered in Bukusu in Manafwa District. In the same period under review and following the discovery of these deposits, Uganda went on to sign an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with Russia to help the build capacity to exploit nuclear technology to boost energy production capacity. Another MoU between Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and China National Nuclear Corporation on nuclear energy development was signed on 11th May 2018 in Beijing, China.
Government is also in final laps to set up a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology Project. This is aimed at establishing a facility at one of the public Universities in Uganda for nuclear training, research and development. The facility will be used in the production of radioisotopes for the Cancer Centres in Uganda and Africa.
The feasibility studies for the proposed projects have also been conducted with support from IAEA, CNNC of China, ROSATOM of Russia and other development partners.
To ensure efficiency in the mining sector, the ministry also boasts of introducing an online application and e-government system of mineral licensing.
The ministry also acquired and installed higher capacity and low detection limit analytical equipment for analysis of samples from mineral exploration projects and equipment for comprehensive and conclusive mineral identification and characterization, non-destructive gemstone identification and grading, improved sample reception and preparation. The Mining and Minerals Bill was also introduced in the 2016-2020 NRM era and seeks to address key challenges and bottlenecks in the mineral sector.
On Mineral Investment Promotion, the NRM government in the period under review promoted investment in its mineral resources and attracted private funding that ran successful exploration programmes. The projects are now at the mine development stage. These projects are: Wagagai Gold Project in Busia; Graphite Project in Orom, Kitgum; Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project in Makuutu, Bugweri District; Jervoir Base metals in Rwenzori, Kiboga and Karuma; and Nickel Project at Akelikong, Lamwo District. Government has also contracted X-Calibur, a Spanish company to carry out Aerial Surveys of Karamoja Region to establish the mineral potential of the region.
To address the plight of miners, over 13,185 Artisanal and Small- scale Miners were registered in Mubende, Kasese, Kabarole; Ntungamo, Karamoja and Eastern Uganda between 2016 and 2021. They were trained in best mining practices, environment, health and safety in mining and business skills.
In regard to geothermal investigations, Energy bosses boast of; drilling Eight (8) Temperature Gradient Holes at Kibiro in Hoima District; completion of surface studies at Panyimur, Buranga and Katwe and geothermal conceptual models developed for Panyimur and Buranga. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is being undertaken at Panyimur and Kibiro before deep exploration drilling is undertaken.
“Government has been able to establish a functional mineral analysis laboratory at Entebbe, and new equipment (ICP-OES & Iron Chromatography) is being added. Government also put in place an inter-ministerial committee to identify a private investor for the development of the mine. The process of identifying the investor under a Public-Private Partnership has commenced. Draft Expression of Interest and Request for Proposal has been prepared,” the report adds.
Under mineral development, sub-sector airborne geophysical surveys of the Karamoja region have been completed. The government also put in place a modern mineral laboratory as well as mineral beneficiation centers in the country which have added value to the mineral reserves being discovered.