Uganda to revive Kilembe mines
The government of Uganda through Energy Ministry and the newly formed Uganda National Mining Company have signed a memorandum that marks a pivotal step toward reviving the long-stalled Kilembe Mines in Kasese District.
Once the country’s largest copper producer until operations ceased in 1982, Kilembe remains home to Uganda’s most significant deposits of copper and cobalt estimated at over 6.5 million metric tonnes and 5.5 million metric tonnes, respectively.
Global demand
With copper prices currently trading at £9,613 per kilogram on the London Metal Exchange, the global demand for these critical minerals has surged due to the accelerating transition from fossil fuels to green energy. The resumption of mining operations under state ownership signals a renewed commitment to unlocking the mine’s potential, despite the considerable infrastructural challenges posed by years of disuse and recent flood damage that devastated key facilities such as the tailings dam, Mobuku hydropower plant, and water systems.
The redevelopment of Kilembe Mines is expected to breathe new life into Uganda’s mining sector, driving employment and stimulating investment, particularly in mineral processing and industrial growth. Government officials have emphasized that the project aligns with national objectives around value addition, ensuring that minerals are refined and processed domestically rather than exported in raw form.
This shift not only promises higher revenue retention but also positions Uganda strategically in the global supply chain for green energy technologies. If managed efficiently and transparently, the revival of Kilembe Mines could mark a transformative moment for Uganda’s economy, reinforcing the country’s role as a key supplier of essential minerals for the global clean energy transition.
