Makuutu Project gets Green Light from Government

After what has been described as a “very extensive consultative, participatory, and transparency process” by the Chairman of the Board of Directors at NEMA, the agency has granted a certificate of operation to Rwenzori Rare Metals Ltd.

In May, this year the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, had directed a halt to activities by Rwenzori Rare Metals Limited to mine rare earth minerals in the country. Rwenzori Rare Metals Limited had been licensed to conduct exploration in the Busoga subregion, where most of Uganda’s rare earth minerals include cerium, dysprosium, erbium,europium, gadolinium, holmium and lanthanum are.

The Makuutu Project is no ordinary project and the approval of its ESIA is a milestone not only to the Developer (Rwenzori Rare Metals Ltd), but to the Busoga Region and the entire Country.The interests that Makuutu raised, were quite unique and unprecedented. '

“I and the Board of Directors of National Environment Management Authority are glad that NEMA in collaboration with the relevant lead agencies have finally come to adecision.” Prof. James Okot-Okumu, the Board Chairman told Capital FM.

Some of the highlights from the Certificate of Approval include addressing issues such as;Land acquisition and compensation modalities, employment opportunities and local service provision (Priority to be given to the PAPs/Host communities of the project).

Equitable use of resources and amicable coexistence with the host communities.Sound environmental management practices (Prevention of environmental degradation and pollution). Sustainable resource management; and waste management, among others.

Rwenzori Rare Metals Chairman Richard Kaijuka assured the NEMA Board that the Project will be executed with compliance to principles of ESG (environment, social and governance).The developer committed to good environment and social performance as guided byinternational guidelines and standards such as the IFC /World Bank Performance standards.