The 13th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference 2024 concluded on October 2nd at the Kampala Serena Hotel. Under the theme “Leveraging Critical Minerals for Sustainable Development and Economic Transformation,” the conference aimed to advance discussions on the strategic use of minerals to foster socio-economic progress in Uganda.

Hosted by the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Minerals Africa Development Institution (MADI), the two-day event gathered a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, international corporations, and investors.

Key topics included investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks for value addition, and the intersection of mining with emerging technologies, including the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This marked a significant step forward in the dialogue surrounding the synergy between the mining industry and the global energy transition.

Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, highlighted the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry, signaling a commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the country’s rich mineral resources. She also reiterated the Ministry’s openness to investment, welcoming companies and investors to collaborate with them in exploring partnerships and innovative approaches to financing the country’s critical minerals industries.

In her closing remarks, Prime Minister Hon. Robinah Nabbanja spoke on behalf of President Kaguta Museveni, promising to relay the conference’s key recommendations for government consideration.

As Uganda looks towards the future of its mining industry, the sentiments expressed during the conference reflect a growing momentum toward sustainable practices and innovative solutions in mineral extraction and utilization—critical steps in supporting the country’s ambitious economic transformation goals.

The conference successfully drew attention to Uganda’s pivotal role in supplying strategic minerals essential for the energy transition, positioning the nation as a key player on the continental stage.