Minister halts Kayungwe-Kinkiizi gold mining, orders miners to form cooperatives
Nyamutoro directed the Uganda Police Force to arrest anyone found using mercury in mining operations.
Minister Phiona Nyamutoro while inspecting gold mines in Kyayugwe Sub-county, Kanungu District on July 01.
KANUNGU – State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals), Phiona Nyamutoro, has suspended all gold mining activities at Kayungwe gold mines in Kanungu District and directed artisanal miners to organise themselves into a cooperative before they can be considered for a government mining licence.
The directive was issued on Wednesday during the minister's inspection of the mining site at Kabugiri Cell, Mishenyi Parish in Kayungwe Sub-county, where thousands of people have recently converged following the discovery of gold deposits.
Nyamutoro said mining activities would remain suspended until miners fulfil the legal requirements governing mineral extraction, including forming a registered cooperative through which they can apply for a mining licence.
She explained that the government is not opposed to artisanal mining but wants miners to operate legally, safely and in an organised manner.
"We want artisanal miners to benefit from Uganda's mineral wealth, but this must be done within the law. Organise yourselves into a cooperative, follow the legal procedures and government will guide you through the licensing process," she said.
She added that officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development will continue engaging local leaders and miners throughout the registration process to ensure they understand the technical requirements for licensing.
Human settlements at the gold mine in Kyayugwe Sub-county, Kanungu District.
Nyamutoro said ministry technical officers would provide guidance on cooperative formation, environmental protection measures, occupational health and safety standards, mine development plans and other legal obligations required before a mining licence can be issued.
She emphasised that responsible mining requires compliance with environmental laws, proper sanitation, safe excavation methods, restoration of degraded land and protection of surrounding communities.
During the inspection, the minister expressed concern over poor sanitation, unsafe working conditions, environmental degradation, conflicts among miners and illegal mining practices.
Minister Phiona Nyamutoro addressing settlers near the gold mine in Kyayugwe Subcounty, Kanungu District on July 01.
Nyamutoro directed the Uganda Police Force to arrest anyone found using mercury in mining operations.
She commended Chris Baryomunsi for supporting engagement between government and artisanal miners, saying collaboration between leaders and mining communities is essential for formalising the sector.
The LCII Chairperson of Kayungwe, Jastus Bataringaya, told the minister that the rapidly growing mining settlement is facing challenges including insecurity, poor roads, inadequate health services, lack of electricity and poor sanitation.
He appealed to the government to improve infrastructure and social services to support the estimated 30,000 people currently living and working around the mining area.
Nyamutoro concluded by directing local leaders to immediately mobilise miners to form a cooperative and submit the required documentation to the ministry for consideration of a mining licence, saying only organised and legally compliant miners will be allowed to resume operations.