The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has officially granted a mining licence to Euro Gold Refinery (EGR).
The milestone was celebrated in Abim District, where Minister for Energy Ruth Nankabirwa presented the licence to the Kakoka Artisanal Miners Association on behalf of EGR. The event, which included Mr. Ben from EGR, marks a significant step toward formalizing artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the region.
Euro Gold Refinery (U) SMC Ltd, launched in July 2025 in Kampala, specializes in refining gold to 99.9% purity using advanced technology. The refinery sources its raw materials from artisanal miners in regions like Abim and Karamoja. This collaboration between the government, EGR, and local miners is designed to promote responsible and traceable gold mining, bringing artisanal miners into the formal sector, and enhancing community livelihoods through fair pricing, safer working conditions, and sustainable mining practices. Additionally, it supports Uganda's value-addition policy and ensures that more of the mineral wealth directly benefits Ugandans.
The Abim licence handover also follows the government's ongoing efforts to regulate the mining sector in response to environmental degradation and lost revenue caused by illegal gold rushes.
The partnership with EGR is expected to increase transparency, reduce illicit trade, and strengthen local involvement in mineral development.
Euro Gold Refinery further supports artisanal miners in Uganda by organizing them into associations, assisting with registration, and funding geological surveys to meet Ministry standards. The company also provides training and equips miners with the necessary skills. Once gold is mined, EGR refines it to 99.9% purity, elevating its value to LBMA international market standards.