Uganda has signed the first-ever agreement to share mineral production for the revival of Kilembe Mines, the country's biggest copper site. Finance Minister Matia Kasaija and Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa signed on behalf of Uganda. The local businesses Sarrai Group Ltd and Nile Fibreboard Ltd became the winning investors. These companies stood out among 14 firms that wanted to bring life back to the inactive mine.
Minister Nankabirwa described the agreement as a big step forward for Uganda's mineral business. She stressed how it would help build up industry, create jobs, and boost local mining work. The copper-rich Kilembe Mines contain more than 4 million tons of deposits but have sat unused for over 30 years. Recent floods caused major damage to the mine's systems, including the dam, power plant, water setup, and office buildings.
The new deal aims to start making copper cathodes and cobalt metal again. These materials play a key role in clean energy tech, with demand rising as nations move away from fossil fuels toward greener options. The restart of Kilembe Mines should breathe new life into Uganda's mining field and pull in more money from investors.
The project plans to create many new jobs for people across the area. Government officials point out that the work fits with their goal of adding value by processing raw materials within Uganda rather than shipping them out unrefined. Through this groundbreaking partnership, Uganda hopes to regain its place in world mining markets and support the global shift to clean energy.
Minister Nankabirwa described the agreement as a big step forward for Uganda's mineral business. She stressed how it would help build up industry, create jobs, and boost local mining work. The copper-rich Kilembe Mines contain more than 4 million tons of deposits but have sat unused for over 30 years. Recent floods caused major damage to the mine's systems, including the dam, power plant, water setup, and office buildings.
The new deal aims to start making copper cathodes and cobalt metal again. These materials play a key role in clean energy tech, with demand rising as nations move away from fossil fuels toward greener options. The restart of Kilembe Mines should breathe new life into Uganda's mining field and pull in more money from investors.
The project plans to create many new jobs for people across the area. Government officials point out that the work fits with their goal of adding value by processing raw materials within Uganda rather than shipping them out unrefined. Through this groundbreaking partnership, Uganda hopes to regain its place in world mining markets and support the global shift to clean energy.
