WAYS TO PROVIDE A BETTER FUTURE FOR PEOPLE IN PART OF UGANDA, AND TO PROTECT RIVERS AND LAKES THAT FORM THE HEADWATERS OF THE NILE RIVER, ARE BETTER UNDERSTOOD THANKS TO A STUDY OF THE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF A FORMER MINE AND ASSOCIATED OPERATIONS.

The Kilembe Mine in western Uganda began operations in 1956 to extract copper and other minerals, and soon formed an important mining complex that employed many local people and also included a smelter to process the ore. After twenty years, Kilembe came to the end of its productive life – the smelter closed in 1978 and the mine closed in 1982. Since then, many former mine workers have continued to live in the area.

However, the mine’s environmental impacts have continued, with groundwater seeping into the underground workings. This water is being pumped into the adjacent Nyamwamba River, flowing into Lake George and into the Nile tributary system, by local people who hope to restart the mine someday.

However, the mine water contains significant quantities of heavy metals and dissolved salts, which are harmful to humans, wildlife and the regional environment.

Golder was called in by the Government of Uganda to assess the environmental and social impacts of the mine and associated infrastructure. Our findings will be used to guide future uses of the property and find ways to mitigate long-term environmental impacts. One priority will involve closing the mine appropriately.

Should the recommendations be implemented, the region’s people and the environment along the Nile River, and downstream from the former mine, will have an opportunity for a better future.