Euro Gold Refinery Launches Small-Scale Gold Mining Project in Yumbe
The team led by the Minister Nyamutoro and Euro Gold cutting ribbon during the launch.
WEST NILE – Yumbe District has taken a significant step in Uganda’s mineral development agenda following the launch of the Euro Gold Small-Scale Mining Project, an initiative aimed at formalising artisanal and small-scale mining while promoting safe, responsible and sustainable exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
The project, launched in Yumbe, brings renewed attention to the mineral potential of West Nile and is expected to contribute to job creation, community development and increased government revenue from the mining sector.
State Minister for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro said the launch reflects Government’s commitment to transforming Uganda’s mineral sector in line with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
She said Yumbe and Zombo are among the areas in West Nile with significant gold potential and challenged Euro Gold Refinery Ltd to operate within the law while creating opportunities for local communities.
“This launch demonstrates Government’s commitment to developing the mineral sector under NDP IV. We expect Euro Gold to comply with the law, create jobs and internship opportunities, support the communities where it operates and progressively move from small-scale to medium- and large-scale mining,” Nyamutoro said.
The minister also warned against illegal mining, saying Government is determined to close unlawful mining operations and improve the welfare and safety of people working in the sector.
She called for miners to have access to proper protective equipment, insurance and healthcare services to reduce accidents and protect their livelihoods.
Euro Gold targets 20kg of gold weekly
Euro Gold Refinery Ltd Chief Executive Officer Benard Feni, popularly known as Mungu Feni, said the company undertook more than two years of surveying and exploration before securing its mining ground.
He said the company’s operations cover approximately 79 square kilometres across West Nile, with Yumbe serving as its pioneer mining site.
Feni said the company is targeting production of at least 20 kilogrammes of gold per week and plans to establish a processing plant that will improve mineral recovery, traceability and accountability within its operations.
“We are going to build our nation,” Feni said, pledging that the company would contribute to economic development while working with communities and other stakeholders.
The establishment of a processing plant, he added, is expected to strengthen the tracking of minerals from extraction to processing, helping to promote transparency and responsible mineral trade.
Assimwe Kenneth, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners, commended both Government and Euro Gold Refinery Ltd for supporting efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining.
He said formalisation can help miners access better working conditions, markets and financial services while reducing the risks associated with illegal mining.
Assimwe also urged parents and communities to ensure children remain in school rather than being exposed to mining activities.
“Our children must be in school and not in mining sites. At the same time, miners need to embrace the use of personal protective equipment and should be supported to access affordable and accessible insurance schemes,” he said.
He said improving the welfare of small-scale miners would require stronger collaboration between Government, mining companies and communities.
Mineral Police Unit steps up fight against illegal mining
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 in the mining sector.
He revealed that more than 15 illegal mining sites have been closed this year, although he expressed concern over deaths recorded at some illegal mining sites.
Tusigwire warned miners against operating outside the legal framework, saying illegal mining not only undermines government revenue but also exposes workers to serious safety risks.
“Our responsibility is to fight illegal mining, mineral smuggling, fraud and forced labour. We have already closed more than 15 illegal mining sites this year, but we remain concerned about the deaths occurring in illegal operations,” he said.
He called for greater cooperation between communities, mining companies and law enforcement agencies to curb illegal activities.
Eng. Grace Nakku, from the Office of the Commissioner in the Minerals and Energy Department, said responsible mining is critical to attracting investment and unlocking Uganda’s mineral potential.
She encouraged Euro Gold to expand its operations while continuing to work with and support artisanal and small-scale miners.
Nakku also cautioned against allowing children into mining areas, stressing that only people aged 18 years and above should be permitted to enter mining sites.
“Responsible mining is essential if Uganda is to attract investment and grow its mineral sector. We encourage Euro Gold to scale up its operations, but this must go hand in hand with continued support for artisanal and small-scale miners,” Nakku said.
She further urged mining operators to prioritise safety and ensure that their activities comply with national mining regulations.
The launch of the Euro Gold Small-Scale Mining Project marks a new chapter in the exploitation of Yumbe’s mineral potential and reflects broader efforts by the Government to move Uganda’s mining industry away from informal and unsafe practices.
With increased emphasis on formalisation, safety, investment, value addition and community participation, stakeholders say the project could create employment opportunities while contributing to the economic transformation of Yumbe, West Nile and Uganda at large.