The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in Uganda has issued a small-scale mining license to the Mubenzi United Miners Association (MUMA) in the Kassanda District, marking a crucial step in the country's efforts to promote responsible and inclusive gold mining. The license authorizes MUMA to conduct gold mining operations on 100.8 acres of land in the Kassanda District. During the licensing ceremony, Ms. Agnes Araba, Commissioner of the Geological Survey and Mining Department, emphasized the importance of formalizing the informal artisanal mining sector, which accounts for over 60% of the national mining workforce. Araba noted that the department has made significant efforts to bring this long-standing informal industry into the formalized and regulated framework. She stated, "We have conducted geological research, provided miners with foundational information, and promoted best mining practices to raise industry awareness." The formalization of this sector is expected to broaden the government's revenue base. Currently, mineral development has been incorporated into Uganda's ambitious development plan, which aims to increase the country's economic size from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.
