New Yumbe Gold Mine Aims for 20kg Weekly Output, Boosting Exports

EuroGold Refinery Uganda has officially commenced operations with its small-scale gold mining project in Yumbe District, setting an ambitious target of producing up to 20 kilogrammes of gold per week. This venture is poised to bolster Uganda’s position as a leading gold exporter, following a substantial increase in gold export earnings last year.

The mining operation, which has undergone over two years of extensive prospecting, exploration, and geological surveys, aims to formalize and streamline existing small-scale mining activities in the region. Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro, who attended the launch, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting formal mining practices and encouraging all miners to adhere to legal frameworks.

“Our presence here is evidence of the government’s commitment to supporting miners across the country to formalise mineral exploitation,” Minister Nyamutoro stated. She highlighted that the project serves as a model for responsible and sustainable mining, operating without mercury and possessing advanced ore processing capabilities.

EuroGold Refinery plans to initially operate two processing units, each capable of producing approximately 10 kilogrammes of gold weekly. Ben Mungu Feni, Director of EuroGold Refinery Uganda, explained that the project, spanning nearly 80 square kilometers across Yumbe and Terego districts, intends to integrate local small-scale miners into a more organized system. This will allow for centralized processing, enhancing accountability and traceability within the gold supply chain.

The company also stressed its commitment to local employment, with over 70 percent of its current workforce recruited from the Yumbe area. This initiative is expected to not only create jobs but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the West Nile sub-region through corporate social responsibility programs and by providing a ready market for local gold producers.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/new-yumbe-gold-mine-targets-20kg-output-per-week-5567164