The Government of Uganda intends to revamp the Iconic Kilembe Mines in Kasese Rwenzori sub region. According to a survey that was done in 2019 by Japan International, if the mines potential is utilized and up to 99 percent of its ore is smelted, over 4,000 and more people would be employed.
The state Minister for Investment Evelyne Anite said that over 21 investors have expressed interest in the business.
This development is partly attributed to several calls from Kasese District leaders to continuously ask government to reopen the mines with intention of creating more jobs for its natives.
In her recent visits in Kasese district, Hon. Minister Evelyne Anite said that Kilembe Mines will be put back to life within a period not beyond this year. She also confirmed that several investors have submitted their official interest through her office.
The Minister noted that the investment opportunity in Kilembe is so big to be exploited by only one investor which means that more than one will be considered for the work.
She cautioned the investors who will make it to the final stage of mining against the habit of exporting Uganda’s raw materials without adding value, a thing that reaps Uganda of its full potential and opportunities.
The mines ceased operations in 1978, a result of political instability and a steep fall in global prices of copper ore. From 1978 to 1982, they were placed under the care and maintenance of Kilembe Mines Limited (KML), a state-owned company over seed by the Ministry of Investment.
The revamping of Kilembe Mines will change the face of Kasese. What once was seen as an insurgent district will reclaim its glory of Copper production and with the planned Standard Railway Gauge construction, Kasese’s potential will hit its best.
