Abim artisanal miners granted gold mining license

The minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, has officially handed over a gold mining license to the Kakoka Artisanal Miners Association in Abim district, on behalf of Euro Gold Refinery (U) SMC Ltd (EGR).

The move marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the Karamoja subregion.

Launched in July 2025 in Kampala, Euro Gold is Uganda’s first fully locally owned gold refinery. The company refines gold to 99.9 per cent purity using modern technology and sources its raw materials directly from artisanal miners in Abim and other parts of Karamoja.

According to the minister, the initiative complements ongoing government efforts to regulate Uganda’s mining industry, curb illegal gold rushes, and protect the environment while enhancing transparency and local participation in mineral resource development.

Nankabirwa commended Euro Gold for its commitment to responsible mining and value addition, noting that the partnership represents a “new dawn” for artisanal miners who will now directly benefit from the mineral wealth.

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