The Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, organized the 14th Mineral Wealth Conference (MWC) 2025 under the theme:
“Sustainable Mineral Development Through Collaboration, Innovation, and Green Transitions: Unlocking Potential for a Resilient Future.”
The conference was held at Serena Hotel from 24th to 25th September 2025.
Objectives
The main objective of the MWC was to provide a platform for stakeholders across the mineral value chain to discuss opportunities and challenges in the sector. The conference also aimed to inform policy directions to create a more conducive investment climate.
Highlights and Achievements
Key topics discussed included:
- Mineral Sector Governance and Regulation
- Climate Change and Opportunities in the Extractives Sector
- Critical Minerals for Sustainable Development
- Value Addition and Beneficiation
- Financing the Extractives Sector
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Extractives
- Leveraging Strategic Partnerships and Markets for Minerals
- Emerging Issues in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
- Emerging Technologies in the Extractives Sector
- Risk Management Considerations
- The Future of Mining, Innovation, and Youth Leadership
The event was officially opened by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabira, who encouraged more investment in Uganda’s critical minerals beyond the traditional iron and limestone. She highlighted opportunities in glass sand (Kome Island, Diimu, and Bukakata) and other resources.
The Permanent Secretary presented on critical minerals for energy transition (graphite, lithium, copper, rare earth elements, lead, and uranium), the governing legal framework, and available investment incentives. She further highlighted recent developments in Uganda’s mineral sector, including:
- Completion of airborne geophysical survey in Karamoja, covering nearly 100% of the country.
- Inauguration of Uganda’s first large-scale gold mine, the Wagagai Gold Project.
- Establishment of nine (9) gold refineries.
- Development of five (5) new cement plants.
- Operationalization of the Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC).
- Partnerships with the EU and the Government of Germany to support resource quantification, a digital mineral database, a chain-of-custody system, and skills development.
- Establishment of mineral markets and buying centers.
The event was opened by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon, Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabira who implored for more investors in other minerals critical for Uganda’s market. These included ontop of the usual Iron, limestone, Glass sand from Kome Island, Diimu and Bukakata was promoted.
The Permanent Secretary, in her speech, presented to the audience critical minerals for energy transition. And these are; (Graphite, Lithium, Copper, REEs, Lead and Uranium) and the governing legal framework as well as investment incentives in the sector. She also presented recent developments in the mineral sector which included:
- Completion of acquisition of the airborne geophysical survey of Karamoja making coverage to close to 100%.
- Inauguration of Uganda’s first large-scale gold mine the Wagagai gold project
- Nine (9) gold refineries set up.
- Five (5) cement plants under development
- Setting up of the Uganda National Mining Company fully operationalised.
- Partnership with EU and government of Germany to support quantification of mineral resources, establishment of digital mineral database, Chain of Custody system and and skills development.
- Development of Mineral markets and buying centres.
The audience was rapt to the presentation from the Uganda National Mining Company CEO Gerald Banaga-Baingi (PhD). He presented the strategic mineral investment plan which included the strategic mineral investment portfolio
As per the event, in May 2025, the UNMC holds 15% free carry equity in: Kilembe Mines Limited, Rwenzori Rare Elements, Sunbird Limestone Resources, Namekara Vermiculite Mine, ARRM Beryllium Investments and Universal Granites & Marble – Granite in Lira.
International Partnerships
On the the side of international partnerships, the technical advisor presented the 5 pillars of the Sustainable Development Minerals project ongoing in Mines Department funded by the EU and Germany. Dr. Slavko from the PanAfGeo+ project, present the Geological Mapping project commencing in October 2025 under the Geological Survey Department aiming at data collection, skills development for staff withing GSD and graduates, laboratory equiping and promotion of the mineral resources of Uganda.
The 14th MWC 2025 successfully highlighted Uganda’s mineral opportunities, strengthened stakeholder collaboration, and positioned the country as a key player in sustainable mineral development and green transitions.
The event was closed with a networking cocktail