Uganda Set to Inaugurate First Tin Refining Plant
Uganda is poised to inaugurate its inaugural tin refining facility in the southwestern region next month, signaling a significant step towards expanding capacity and enhancing domestic value addition to its mineral resources, according to a senior official from the mining ministry.
President Yoweri Museveni’s administration aims to capitalize on the advantages of exporting minerals to the East African nation, where several gold refineries are already operational.
Recently, Chinese-backed Sunbird Resources secured a license to mine limestone for cement production, further highlighting Uganda’s commitment to maximizing its mineral resources.
Irene Bateebe, a prominent figure in the energy and mineral development ministry, informed Reuters on Wednesday about the imminent launch of the tin processing facility.
She emphasized that the inauguration ceremony is scheduled for next month, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s mineral sector development.
The tin refining plant, owned by Woodcross Resources, a local mining and mineral trading company, is poised to refine tin to purity levels exceeding 99%.
Bateebe refrained from disclosing the exact investment size associated with the project. Requests for comments from Woodcross regarding the investment remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
According to information available on Woodcross’s website, the company holds a tin mining license spanning 40 km² in western Uganda.
The tin refining plant boasts an annual capacity exceeding 1,000 tonnes, showcasing Uganda’s growing commitment to enhancing its mineral value chain and promoting domestic beneficiation.
