mining 28 August 2026 Nile Post
Tiira Gold Project Embraces Modern Mining Amidst Licensing Reforms
A new gold mining venture in Tiira is set to revolutionize local extraction methods by adopting mechanization and advanced processing, while the government addresses licensing delays that have historically hampered the sector. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/367417/tiira-gold-project-bets-on-modern-mining-as-govt-moves-to-break-licensing-bottleneck
For years, gold mining in Tiira Town Council has been characterized by dangerous artisanal practices, utilizing rudimentary tools and often encroaching on residential areas. However, a significant shift is underway as investors look to unlock the region’s gold potential through modern technology.
A collaborative effort between the Tiira Landlords and Artisanal Miners Association and Chinese firm Runjin Mining Holding is spearheading this transformation. Their approach centers on mechanised mining and sophisticated processing techniques, aiming to replace the hazardous, informal operations.
During a recent visit, the State Minister for Minerals, Phiona Nyamutoro, acknowledged the project’s potential to boost Uganda’s mineral development. She noted the established infrastructure for large-scale exploration and processing but also highlighted the significant delays in the licensing process. “We are undergoing a review of the process at ministerial level, and within a period of two months we should be able to issue them with a licence,” Nyamutoro stated.
These licensing challenges are not isolated to Tiira; they represent a broader concern across Uganda, with lengthy procedures and costly environmental assessments hindering many mining ventures. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is actively engaging with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to streamline these processes, particularly for small-scale and artisanal miners, by potentially establishing a dedicated desk for mining issues and addressing affordability.
The partnership is already demonstrating benefits for local miners, who are negotiating profit-sharing agreements instead of being excluded from the value chain. This move towards organized, mechanized mining is also anticipated to curb social issues like child labor and mining-related fatalities in Tiira, fostering a safer and more economically inclusive future for the community.