Uganda soon to unveil first tin refining plant
Uganda is set to inaugurate its first tin refining plant. Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Mines, revealed the plans and said the commissioning is slated for next month.
The facility which sits in the south-western region, aims to enhance the country’s mineral processing capacity and aligns with President Yoweri Museveni’s strategy to maximize the benefits of mineral exports.
The plant is owned by Woodcross Resources, a Uganda-based mining and mineral trading company. It is reported to have an annual capacity of over 1,000 tonnes, which would make a significant contribution to the country’s mineral processing industry.
Quality product
Irene Bateebe, expressed readiness for the launch, stating that the plant will refine tin to over 99% purity. However, the size of the investment was not disclosed by Woodcross Resources. This initiative comes in the wake of growing interest in Uganda’s mining sector. Recently, Chinese-backed Sunbird Resources was granted a license to mine limestone for cement production, indicating increasing investment in the country’s mineral resources.
Additionally, Ionic Rare Earths’ subsidiary, Rwenzori Rare Metals, received a large-scale mining license for the Makuutu Heavy Rare Earth Project in central Uganda. This marks the first issuance of such a license in the country under the Mining Act of 2022.
Tin, is predominantly mined in the western Uganda areas of Isingiro, Ntungamo and Mbarara. It is primarily used in solder, an alloy that is essential for joining pipes and electronic circuits. It’s also used in plating, to prevent corrosion, and in various alloys, such as bronze.
