Kampala — THE revenue from issuance of mining licences has increased from sh1.2b in 2004 to over sh3.3b at the end of June 2009, the energy and mineral development ministry has revealed.

By the end of last month, the Government had issued 498 mining licences as part of efforts to develop the mineral sector.

"Following the recent interventions, we are already seeing an upward growth in exploration for various minerals and also exploration in mineral production," said Hilary Onek, the energy and mineral development minister. Onek was opening a symposium on Uganda Airborne Geographical Surveys on Thursday at Grand Imperial Hotel.

"There are important projects like the cement plants in Tororo and Hima, the Namekhala vermiculate mine in Manafwa district and the Kamalenge gold mine due to open in Mubende," he added.

Onek blamed low mineral exploitation in the country on the poor land ownership system.

"People do not want to leave their land even when compensated," he said.