Mineral areas mapped
Dec 14, 2007
THE Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has released preliminary data from the ongoing mineral surveys, indicating areas with high potential for minerals. The data was released yesterday by Joshua Tuhumwire, the commissioner for geological surveys and mines.<br>
By Kiganda Ssonko
and Raymond Baguma
THE Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has released preliminary data from the ongoing mineral surveys, indicating areas with high potential for minerals. The data was released yesterday by Joshua Tuhumwire, the commissioner for geological surveys and mines.
Tuhumwire said the country had been demarcated into seven blocks under the survey being undertaken by Fugro Airborne Surveys, a South African company. The exercise started in December 2006.
The data that was released was for blocks 1 and 6. Block 1 covers the southeastern region, while Block 6 covers central Uganda.
The Government will use the data to identify prospective mining areas and attract investors.
Block 1, which covers the districts of Busia, Iganga, Kamuli, Tororo, Bugiri, and Mukono, had occurrences of gold, zinc, phosphates, limestone and vermiculite.
Block 6, covering the Lake Kyoga areas, Soroti, and Masindi, had rocks, sand and clay minerals. Addressing officials from mining firms and the public, Tuhumwire said: “This marks a milestone in Uganda’s mining industry. With this mineral data, Uganda is going to be the next mining destination in Africa.â€
He said the geophysical survey of the other five blocks was about to be completed and data would be released soon after. The exercise, which was expected to last 18 months, was slowed down by heavy rains. The bad weather hampered the survey planes, which operate at a low altitude of 80 metres.
The survey is part of the five-year $42m (about sh700b) Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Project that begun in 2004. It is supported by the World Bank, the Nordic Development Fund and the African Development Bank.
The project coordinator, Julius Nyakaana, said: “There are areas and features that have been detected, which could lead to the discovery of various minerals.
“This data is going to be interpreted for follow up. The follow up involves geological mapping, geochemical survey and exploration drilling, which will lead to knowing the existence of particular minerals.â€
The chairman of the Uganda Chamber of Mines, Paul Sherwen, said they were optimistic about the results of the survey. “We look forward to the release of the next data in the next few months to enable us identify areas with minerals.â€
and Raymond Baguma
THE Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has released preliminary data from the ongoing mineral surveys, indicating areas with high potential for minerals. The data was released yesterday by Joshua Tuhumwire, the commissioner for geological surveys and mines.
Tuhumwire said the country had been demarcated into seven blocks under the survey being undertaken by Fugro Airborne Surveys, a South African company. The exercise started in December 2006.
The data that was released was for blocks 1 and 6. Block 1 covers the southeastern region, while Block 6 covers central Uganda.
The Government will use the data to identify prospective mining areas and attract investors.
Block 1, which covers the districts of Busia, Iganga, Kamuli, Tororo, Bugiri, and Mukono, had occurrences of gold, zinc, phosphates, limestone and vermiculite.
Block 6, covering the Lake Kyoga areas, Soroti, and Masindi, had rocks, sand and clay minerals. Addressing officials from mining firms and the public, Tuhumwire said: “This marks a milestone in Uganda’s mining industry. With this mineral data, Uganda is going to be the next mining destination in Africa.â€
He said the geophysical survey of the other five blocks was about to be completed and data would be released soon after. The exercise, which was expected to last 18 months, was slowed down by heavy rains. The bad weather hampered the survey planes, which operate at a low altitude of 80 metres.
The survey is part of the five-year $42m (about sh700b) Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Project that begun in 2004. It is supported by the World Bank, the Nordic Development Fund and the African Development Bank.
The project coordinator, Julius Nyakaana, said: “There are areas and features that have been detected, which could lead to the discovery of various minerals.
“This data is going to be interpreted for follow up. The follow up involves geological mapping, geochemical survey and exploration drilling, which will lead to knowing the existence of particular minerals.â€
The chairman of the Uganda Chamber of Mines, Paul Sherwen, said they were optimistic about the results of the survey. “We look forward to the release of the next data in the next few months to enable us identify areas with minerals.â€