Mineral exploration licences rise to 265
Jun 05, 2007
THE number of mineral exploration licences has increased to 265 from 230 in December, a commissioner at the Department of Geological Surveys and Mines at Entebbe has said.
By Kiganda Ssonko
THE number of mineral exploration licences has increased to 265 from 230 in December, a commissioner at the Department of Geological Surveys and Mines at Entebbe has said.
In an interview, Joshua Tuhumwire said most of the licences are for exploration of gold.
“Gold has taken a lead among minerals being explored. It is followed by minerals like copper, cobalt, zinc, tin and wolfram. This is an indicator that Uganda is progressing in the exploitation of minerals. We are ready and willing to license more serious miners,†Tuhumwire promised.
He added: “This trend also shows how prices of gold and other minerals on the world market have hit the top. Industrial developments in India and China are the driving force for this. We hope the demand for more minerals will go up soon. Uganda having them in plenty is an economic endowment to be proud of.â€
Tuhumwire said the current explorations are based on information collected during surveys.
He said he hoped that once the ongoing 18-month survey is successful, more investors will apply for licences. “Previous airborne surveys were just fair,†Tuhumwire said.
THE number of mineral exploration licences has increased to 265 from 230 in December, a commissioner at the Department of Geological Surveys and Mines at Entebbe has said.
In an interview, Joshua Tuhumwire said most of the licences are for exploration of gold.
“Gold has taken a lead among minerals being explored. It is followed by minerals like copper, cobalt, zinc, tin and wolfram. This is an indicator that Uganda is progressing in the exploitation of minerals. We are ready and willing to license more serious miners,†Tuhumwire promised.
He added: “This trend also shows how prices of gold and other minerals on the world market have hit the top. Industrial developments in India and China are the driving force for this. We hope the demand for more minerals will go up soon. Uganda having them in plenty is an economic endowment to be proud of.â€
Tuhumwire said the current explorations are based on information collected during surveys.
He said he hoped that once the ongoing 18-month survey is successful, more investors will apply for licences. “Previous airborne surveys were just fair,†Tuhumwire said.