The Ministry of Energy has officially confirmed the identification of 18 potential mineral sites through recent airborne geophysical mapping. In a statement by Mr. Vincent Kedi, the assistant commissioner for license administration in the Mines department, the integration of airborne geophysical data with new geological maps has revealed targets for further exploration, including gold, iron ore, platinum group metals (PGMs), nickel-chromium, and more.
Among the minerals discovered are nickel in Iganga Gabbro Intrusion, gold in Moroto and Zeu in Zombo, chromite, marble, Kimberlite in Kidera (southeastern Uganda), copper, cobalt, rare earth elements in Naigobya, and various others in locations like Bukusu, Masindi–Karuma Falls area, Kitaka–Buhweju, Packwach area, Kaiso-Tonya-Kaolin, Mayuge area, Kafunzo area, Makuutu area, and Hoima-Kafu area.
The commissioner emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging these mineral resources to enhance Uganda’s socio-economic status. The strategy involves attracting investments for exploration, mining, and value addition to these critical minerals.
The mapping also revealed new gold deposits in the Kaliro-Ivukula area, Aboke-Alito area, iron ore deposits in Buhara-Kabale, and iron ore in Butogota, Kanungu district.
Furthermore, the document details plans to complete geological data coverage for the remaining 20 percent of the country. The European Union has granted Euros 1 million to conduct a feasibility study and establish iron ore reserves in southwestern Uganda.
The document highlights proven reserves of iron ore (hematite and magnetite) in southwestern Uganda, the existence of rare earth elements, 3Ts (Tin, Tantalite, and Tungsten), carbonatite centers, and base metals such as copper, cobalt, lead, zinc, lithium, and PGMs throughout Uganda.
The Ministry of Energy has also prioritized 10 uranium deposit targets for detailed exploration, including areas in Arua, Pakwach, Adjumani, Kitgum, Masindi, Kabarole, and Mbarara.
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