The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in Uganda is set to begin mineral mapping in Karamoja sub-region next week following the arrival of two survey helicopters.
According to the permanent secretary at the ministry, Mr Robert Kasande, the survey will help the government to establish the available mineral resources in the region. “The survey will take nine months because it is a large area and the total cost will be around US $20m,” Mr Kasande said.
The ministry said the mineral mapping activity will cover 10 districts in Uganda that were not considered during the previous surveys. These include the districts of Nakapiripirit, Amudat, Moroto, Napak, Abim, Kotido and Kaabong, Karenga, Nabilatuk, all in Karamoja and Lamwo District in Acholi.
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Boosting development in the region
In a statement last week, the Mineral Development ministry said the mineral survey findings and eventual exploitation of the mineral resources will be crucial in speeding up development in the sub-region and the country.
“Karamoja has potential for economic minerals such as gold, copper, iron ore, rare earth elements, gemstones and marble. Given Uganda’s conducive investment environment, these minerals will contribute to the country’s economic growth and poverty alleviation by creating jobs,” the statement read in part. The ministry added that they are building capacity of the local leaders and communities in mineral resources management to enable them negotiate community agreements effectively.
The mineral mapping contract was awarded to Xcalibur, a Spanish company that offers a diverse range of services such as fixed- and rotary-wing airborne gradient magnetic and radiometric, EM & gravity surveys. Their services offering includes value-adding data processing, interpretation and consulting conducted by a team of dedicated, highly skilled and experienced staff.
