Sunbird Resources Limited has been granted a 21-year large-scale mining license to excavate 8000 metric tonnes per day of vital limestone in Rupa Sub-county, Moroto District.
The licence was granted by Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development. Over six years of meticulous exploration have revealed an impressive 67 million metric tonnes of clinker-able limestone, positioning Uganda as a key player in cement production.
According to the minister, Sunbird Resources Limited. will partner with West International Holdings Limited., a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed West China Cement Limited. Together, they are establishing a 6,000-tonne per day clinker lime and a one million-tonne per year cement factory at Nadunget Sub-County, Moroto District.
President Yoweri Museveni laid the foundation for the cement factory in September 2023, emphasising the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and development.
The project is set to generate substantial employment opportunities, with 600 direct and 3000 indirect jobs, contributing to the economic development of Uganda.
“The mining activities and subsequent cement production are estimated to result in royalty payments exceeding Shs160 million per day of operation, contributing significantly to the consolidated fund,” she said.
The former Kibogo District woman legislator said upon completion, the cement factory aspires to be the largest in Uganda, striving for import substitution by reducing reliance on the import of 2.4 million metric tonnes of clinker annually, valued at over $700 million.
“We, at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development, express our delight in granting the mining lease and pledge continued support to Sunbird Resources Limited in achieving its objectives,” she said.
