The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has moved to streamline mining activities in Kayungwe Sub-county, Kanungu District, following allegations of continued illegal mining in the area.
The Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals), Phiona Nyamutoro, said the ministry’s fact-finding visit on Thursday was aimed at addressing concerns raised by district leaders and residents while preparing the area for the formal reopening of mining activities.
“We started with a meeting with the entire district leadership and council, where we had the opportunity to sensitise them further on the mining laws and offer guidance on compliance,” Ms Nyamutoro said.
She said the ministry also briefed district leaders on meetings held with mining associations and the licence holder, as well as steps being taken to formalise mining activities in Kayungwe.
The minister said the ministry had abandoned an earlier cooperative arrangement after discovering that it had been misleading, opting instead to work directly with recognised mining associations.
Ms Nyamutoro said the concerns raised by the district included alleged illegal mining facilitated by mineral police, licensing, alleged torture and manhandling of residents attempting to access the mine, environmental protection, use of mercury, sanitation, registration of miners and proposed district ordinances.
She said the district was also seeking to sign a memorandum of understanding with the licence holder.
On licensing, Ms Nyamutoro said an existing exploration licence, EL00315, covers 236 square kilometres, while Shiye Mining Company holds a small-scale mining licence application, TN/SML/06295, covering one square kilometre.
She said an additional 6.3-square-kilometre artisanal area, GP00033, had been gazetted on the mining cadastre for licensing to four associations: Greater Rwegyeyo Artisanal Association, Kanungu Artisanal Association, Dondoma Association and Kayungwe Artisanal Association.
“The ordinances should not contradict the existing Mining and Minerals Act, 2022. The ministry has also responded to the proposals in writing, with specific provisions of the Act that apply,” she said.
Ms Nyamutoro said the district could only enter into a community development agreement with a licence holder once mining starts, as provided for under the law, with the process monitored by the ministry.
She also cautioned local leaders against using their positions to pursue personal interests in mining areas.
“The leaders should refrain from fronting their personal interests in the mines because this is contrary to the law,” she said.
The minister said miners would be registered through the ministry’s biometric registration system, which is routinely conducted by inspectors to facilitate tracking and access to information.
She said the ministry would continue supporting district leaders and mining associations through the processes required before the official reopening of the mine.
Following the field inspection, Ms Nyamutoro said the small-scale mining applicant had submitted all the documents required for licensing, including an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment certificate issued by the National Environment Management Authority.
She said the four artisanal associations would also be supported to complete the remaining licensing. Minister Nyamutoro further directed that all ore attracting people to the mine be removed and that residents be allowed to access their gardens.
It also ordered the demolition of markets and lodging structures located within the mining area, while all pits that do not meet the legal requirement of at least 100 metres apart should be closed and backfilled.
“All processing centres around and within the mining area should be closed with immediate effect,” Ms Nyamutoro said.
She said only two mercury-free processing centres—one to be established by the licence holder and another by Pearl Refineries—would be allowed to operate after obtaining the necessary licences and the resumption of mining.
The licence holder was also directed to construct 20 latrines for the small-scale mining area and make changes to the mineral police officers deployed at the site.
Ms Nyamutoro said the licence holder would also be required to strengthen security at the site through a private security arrangement.
She said all the measures should be implemented within 21 days to pave the way for responsible and sustainable mining upon the formal reopening of the area.
