Grace Matsiko
20 April 2001
Kampala — Uganda Chamber of Mines has appealed to the United Nations not to impose sanctions on the Uganda minerals because the minerals mentioned do exist and are being exploited in Uganda.
The chamber yesterday through the minister for Foreign Affairs said there are thousands of small scale miners and their dependants who derive their livelihood from the mining activities in Uganda who will be adversely affected by the sanctions.
The letter signed by Chamber chairman, Brayan Westwood said for instance gold is found in many districts of Uganda and there are over half a million small scale artisan miners involved in mining the minerals for their daily livelihood, majority of whom are women. The UN listed five key minerals namely coltan, diamonds, copper, cobalt and gold, upon which Uganda is likely to face UN sanctions citing the country's alleged involvement in the illegal exploitation of minerals resources in the DRC.
"Once the UN Panel report recommendations are effected, the livelihood of the Small Scale Miners and their dependants will be at risk, since they will not have market for their gold. This will also deny Uganda Forex exchange and may directly be translated into the depreciation of Uganda Shilling, as the ban affects other commodities such as coffee and timber. This would lead to increase in prices of most products" the Chamber stated. Gold in Uganda is mined in Karamoja, Mubende, Buhweju, Mashonga, Madi, Busia, Ibanda, Kayonza, Butogota and other areas constituting a substantial quantity, the chamber said.
They said, "Cobalt is being processed from pyrites of Kilembe mines by Kasese Cobalt Company Ltd. It is important to note that this company is employing very many Ugandans. It is also contributing to the development of Kasese district, especially in road construction and Social services.. With the sanctions in place, their contribution will be no more."
The mining of tantalite/columbite (Coltan) in Uganda started in 1934 and by 1959 Uganda exported substantial quantities.
However, due to the decline in international prices, in 1960s, mining activities for the mineral also declined but with the recent upsurge of demand and high prices, there has been noted increase in activities, they added.
They said, the mineral is being exploited by small scale miners in Bushenyi, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Mpigi, Tororo, Mt. Moroto, Kotido, Kitgum and Madi districts.
They said diamond mineral occurrence is predominate in gold belt of Buhweju in Bushenyi and the UN sanctions will greatly jeopardise interest in its exploitation.
They said, "the chamber kindly reminds the UN Council that the mining sector has been dormant for many years, due to the political turmoil the country experienced. Todate there has been marked progress in the mining sector. Once the sanctions are imposed, it will impact negatively to the current and future investments in the sector".
Minister for presidency Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has also asked the UN to institute fresh investigations in the minerals saga.
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