The launch of Euro Gold Refinery’s mining operation in Yumbe District has highlighted the growing importance of formalisation, safety and responsible mineral development within Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector.
During the official launch of the project, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development reiterated its commitment to bringing miners across Uganda into a regulated system that protects workers, improves mineral traceability and enables communities to benefit more effectively from the country’s natural resources.
Euro Gold is positioning its Yumbe operation as part of this transition.
Working Together With Artisanal Miners
Artisanal and small-scale miners have operated in several mineral-rich areas of Uganda for many years.
At the Yumbe project, Euro Gold is working to organise miners operating within its licensed area so activities can be conducted in accordance with national mining requirements.
Chief Executive Officer Benard Feni emphasised that the company’s approach is centred on collaboration with the communities already involved in mining.
Rather than separating investment from the surrounding community, Euro Gold aims to combine its licences, machinery, technical expertise and processing capacity with local participation.
More than 70% of workers at the Yumbe operation are locally sourced, demonstrating the role formal mining investment can play in creating direct economic opportunities for host communities.
Safety as a Priority
The Government of Uganda has increasingly emphasised the importance of occupational health and safety across the mining industry.
Speaking during the launch, State Minister for Mineral Development Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro encouraged miners to use appropriate personal protective equipment and operate in accordance with Uganda’s mining legislation.
The Government has raised concerns about respiratory illnesses, accidents and other hazards associated with unregulated mining environments.
Formalisation creates an opportunity for stronger supervision, improved working conditions and greater accountability throughout the sector.
Euro Gold is committed to maintaining responsible working practices as its operations expand.
Moving Towards Mercury-Free Processing
One of the key areas highlighted during the Yumbe launch was Euro Gold’s use of a mercury-free approach to mineral processing.
Mercury has historically presented significant environmental and health concerns within artisanal gold mining.
Transitioning toward modern processing technologies can therefore contribute to a safer working environment while supporting more sustainable mineral production.
The Yumbe operation has the capacity to process significant volumes of mineral-bearing material as Euro Gold develops the site toward commercial production.
Keeping Children Out of Mining
Another important focus at the launch was the protection of children.
Government representatives and industry stakeholders stressed that mining sites must remain restricted to adults and that children within mining communities should remain in school.
Euro Gold supports responsible labour practices and the development of a formal mining environment in which employment opportunities are created without compromising worker welfare or the wellbeing of surrounding communities.
Mining That Benefits Host Communities
Responsible mining extends beyond extraction.
Companies operating within mineral-rich communities have an important role to play in supporting broader social and economic development.
During the Yumbe launch, government officials encouraged investment in areas including healthcare, infrastructure, education and community development.
Euro Gold sees community participation as an important part of building sustainable long-term mining operations.
By creating employment, supporting local economic activity and working alongside government and community stakeholders, the company aims to ensure that mineral development delivers benefits beyond the mine itself.
Strengthening Uganda’s Formal Gold Industry
Uganda continues to strengthen the regulatory framework governing mineral exploration, extraction, processing and refining.
The Mining and Minerals Act, 2022 provides the framework under which miners and companies are expected to obtain licences and meet safety, environmental and community obligations.
Euro Gold’s expansion into licensed mining complements its gold-refining operations and creates a stronger connection between responsible extraction, traceability, processing and domestic value addition.
As Uganda seeks to further develop its mineral resources, Euro Gold remains committed to working alongside government, local communities and industry stakeholders to build a mining sector founded on responsibility, transparency, safety and sustainable economic development.