The government of Uganda has lifted the ban on mining activities for Rwenzori Rare minerals in Busoga sub- region.
In May this year, the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, ordered the cessation of the activities of Rwenzori Rare Metals Limited to extract rare earth minerals in the country.
The matter was raised by members of Parliament from Busoga over the strangers who were in their area doing exploration and the locals feared that they had come to steal their land.
During a meeting chaired by Nabbanja at the office of the Prime minister, it has been resolved that the ban on activities of Rwenzori Rare Minerals be lifted so that they can go on with mining.
Nabbanja said the stakeholders meeting resolved on a number of issues aimed at protecting the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and also ensure economic value of the mining project.
The other issues resolved on are issuance of a mining lease following the assent to the new mining and mineral law by President Yoweri Museveni is using hydro-power through the national grid rather than establishment of a solar power plant.
Peter Lokeris, the Minister of State for Minerals, says the project has the potential to improve the livelihoods of the people of Busoga.
For community development, there is a planned investment of $1-2 million annually to improve on health, water, road infrastructure and education.
Over $7.64 billion is expected as revenue from the mining in the 27-year project period, according to Warren Tregurtha, the chief executive officer of Rwenzori Rare Metals (RRM) Limited.
Rwenzori Rare Metals is a private Ugandan company developing the “Makuutu Rare Earths Project” across the districts of Bugweri, Bugiri and Mayuge.
The meeting was attended by General Duties minister Justine Kasule Lumumba and MPs from Busoga sub-region.
